Hit and Run in Pennsylvania: Laws, Penalties, and What to Do (2026)

# Hit and Run in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

> **KEY FACTS:**
> – Hit and run is **criminal** in PA — summary offense to 3rd degree felony
> – **First-party benefits** ($5K medical) cover you regardless
> – **UM/UIM** with potential **stacking** is your primary claim option
> – File **AA-600** within **5 days** (strictest deadline)
> – Tort choice (Limited/Full) affects pain/suffering claims even in hit-and-run

—

## Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Laws

75 Pa.C.S. §§ 3742-3743 requires stopping, providing info, and rendering aid.

### Criminal Penalties

| Scenario | Classification | Penalty |
|———-|—————|———|
| Property damage only (§ 3743) | Summary offense | Up to $300 fine |
| Injury (§ 3742(a)) | 3rd degree misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 fine + 1 year jail |
| Serious injury (§ 3742(b)(1)) | 3rd degree felony | Up to $15,000 fine + 7 years prison |
| Death (§ 3742(b)(2)) | 2nd degree felony | Up to $25,000 fine + 10 years prison |

—

## Filing Claims After a Hit and Run

### First-Party Benefits (No-Fault)
Regardless of the hit-and-run, you get:
– $5,000 medical benefits
– $5,000 income loss
– File with your own insurer

### UM/UIM Coverage with Stacking
**PA allows stacking** — if you have multiple vehicles on your policy and did not opt out, your UM/UIM limits may be multiplied. This can significantly increase your available coverage for a hit-and-run.

### Tort Choice Impact
Even for hit-and-run claims:
– **Full Tort:** Pursue pain/suffering for any injury
– **Limited Tort:** Only if injury is “serious” — though hit-and-run injuries are often severe enough to qualify

### Other Options
– **Collision:** Vehicle damage (minus deductible)
– **Health insurance:** Medical treatment
– **Lawsuit:** If the driver is identified

—

## What to Do

1. Stay at the scene
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Note the vehicle details
4. Get witnesses
5. Document the scene
6. File **AA-600** within **5 days**
7. File first-party benefits + UM claim with your insurer
8. Seek medical attention

—

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does stacking help with hit-and-run?
Yes. If you have multiple vehicles and did not opt out, your UM limits may be multiplied — significantly increasing available coverage.

### Does my tort choice matter for hit-and-run?
Yes. Limited Tort holders can only sue for pain/suffering if the injury is “serious.” Full Tort holders have no restriction.

—

## Related Guides

– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania](/pennsylvania/car-accident-guide/)
– [Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws](/pennsylvania/car-accident-laws/)

—

**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.