Hospital Hit and Run Accident Leaves Three Philadelphia Nurses Injured

In October, a hit-and-run collision at Penn Presbyterian Hospital left three nurses and a patient injured. Police have identified the vehicle’s driver but are still looking for the vehicle’s other passengers.

What Happened at Penn Presbyterian

According to a Fox 29 news report, the collision occurred in mid-October at around 4:22 a.m. in Penn Presbyterian’s ambulance bay. Police reported a Jeep Cherokee carrying four people pulled up to the emergency room. One of the passengers had suffered gunshot wounds, and others entered the emergency room seeking help. 

Three nurses stepped out to the Jeep to help the injured person. As Penn Police arrived at the scene, however, the other passengers and driver climbed back into the vehicle and drove off – hitting the three nurses and the shooting victim they’d brought to the hospital. 

All three nurses suffered multiple injuries including leg, head, and back injuries, facial injuries, and internal bleeding. The shooting victim also suffered additional injuries from the hit-and-run crash. 

Police identified the driver of the vehicle, who later turned himself in. They are still seeking the other passengers who were in the vehicle. 

Hit and Run Crashes in Pennsylvania

A “hit and run” crash occurs when a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene. Pennsylvania law requires a vehicle driver who collides with a car, a person, or another object to stop at the scene, “render aid,” and trade identifying information with others involved in the crash. When a driver fails to do so, they may face criminal penalties including jail time, probation, fines, license suspension, and a requirement to pay restitution to the other party. 

Hit-and-run crashes can cause serious injuries, including:

• Head, neck, and back injuries,
• Brain and spinal cord injuries,
• Broken bones,
• Organ damage and internal bleeding,
• Scarring and disfigurement.

Other injuries, including psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress, can also occur. 

For those injured in a hit-and-run crash, getting compensation for your injuries can be tough. Typically, an injured person seeks compensation from their own or the other driver’s insurance after a crash. If you don’t know who hit you, you cannot contact their insurance company – leaving you with few or no options for the compensation you need. 

It’s important to check your insurance policy if you’re hurt in a hit-and-run crash. Many Pennsylvania drivers carry uninsured/underinsured (UI/UIA) motorist insurance. This coverage helps meet your needs if you’re involved in a crash with a driver who has no insurance or who doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover your losses. UI/UIA coverage also applies when you’re injured by a driver you cannot identify – such as in a hit-and-run collision. 

Those injured in a hit-and-run collision in Pennsylvania can seek compensation for their personal injuries, even if the driver also faces criminal charges. The criminal case against the driver seeks to hold the driver accountable for breaking the law. Your personal injury case seeks compensation for the losses you suffered as a result of the driver’s negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior. 

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Hit-and-Run Crash

If you’re injured in a hit-and-run crash, keep the following steps in mind. Follow them to the best of your ability. If you miss one or more steps, you can often complete them later. You can also work with an experienced Philadelphia hit-and-run accident attorney to complete them. 

Safety first. At the scene, do what you can to keep yourself and others safe. This may mean moving to a safer location, using vehicle lights to warn others about the accident scene, or providing first aid if you have training. 

Call 911. For emergency assistance, call 911. Emergency medical providers can offer quick medical care and transport for serious injuries. Firefighters can help make the scene safe, and police can investigate the scene and make a record of what they find. All these efforts can help keep you and others safe. 

Collect information if you can. If possible, collect information at the scene. Talk to witnesses, take photos or draw a diagram, or make notes of what you saw, heard, and felt as the crash occurred. Keep this information in a safe place. As you collect doctor’s notes and other information about your injuries and the incident, keep this information in a safe place as well. 

Talk to an attorney. A lawyer with experience handling hit-and-run cases can help you figure out what to do next. At every step, your attorney can protect your legal rights and advocate for the best outcome for you. 

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run crash, talk to a knowledgeable Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. The team at MyPhillyLawyer can help investigate your claim, protect your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.