According to a recent report, an alleged hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania left one man injured and another man dead on Jan. 28. A retired Pittsburgh police officer and his brother had been traveling on an inbound ramp near Squirrel Hill Tunnel in an SUV when a silver mid-sized sedan appeared. The driver of the SUV honked and tried to steer out of the oncoming sedan’s path. Despite the driver’s attempt to keep the SUV clear of the sedan, the approaching car struck the SUV.
The SUV tumbled down an embankment, ejecting both truck occupants from the vehicle. The two men lay about 12 feet from each other and had sustained serious injuries from the rollover. The driver’s brother was transported to a medical facility where he later died.
Report suggests that the sedan did not remain in the vicinity following the car crash. The victim’s family has released a public statement asking that the individual who was driving the sedan come forward. Furthermore, the victim’s sister, who the victim had planned to support after the death of her husband, suggested that she has difficultly believing that the allegedly at-fault driver did not realize that they had been involved in a car accident.
When a family loses a loved one in a car accident, the emotional and financial damages can be extensive. However, if the crash was caused by another party, that individual may be named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit that seeks compensation. A victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death action in an effort to recover a number of damages, including the cost of funeral expenses and lost financial support.
Source: WPXI, “Family says another driver was at fault in fatal Parkway East rollover crash,” Jan. 30, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run was never identified?
Yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, a family may still be able to recover compensation through the deceased’s own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Pennsylvania law allows UM claims specifically for hit-and-run accidents where the responsible driver flees the scene and cannot be located.
What compensation can a wrongful death claim recover in Pennsylvania?
A Pennsylvania wrongful death action can recover funeral and burial expenses, medical costs related to the fatal injury, the financial support and services the deceased would have provided, and compensation for the loss of companionship and guidance suffered by surviving family members.
Who can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, a wrongful death action is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If no personal representative has been appointed, an eligible family member may petition the court to bring the claim.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim entirely, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after losing a loved one in an accident.
What should I do if police haven’t located the driver who caused a fatal hit-and-run?
Continue to cooperate with the police investigation, but also consult a personal injury attorney promptly. An attorney can pursue available insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist benefits, and help preserve evidence independently of the criminal investigation, which can take months or longer to resolve.
Contact a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Losing a family member in a hit-and-run accident is devastating, especially when the at-fault driver has not been identified or held accountable. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our attorneys have over 65 years of experience helping Pennsylvania families pursue the compensation they are owed after a fatal accident. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 24, 2026
