A 25-year-old man is in critical condition after being struck by a car near Watts Street in North Philadelphia. Police say the man was crossing the street when he was struck by a southbound white SUV, possibly a Jeep, which fled the scene.
The pedestrian was transported to Temple University Hospital with a skull fracture and internal bleeding and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. This incident comes only one day after two separate fatal hit-and-run crashes. Anyone with information about this incident or the driver’s identity is urged to contact the Crash Investigation Division.
Approximately 45 pedestrians have died so far this year in Philadelphia, more than half from hit-and-run accidents. Police say it is increasingly more common for people to flee the scene of an accident. In 2023 and 2024, an estimated one out of every two pedestrians have been involved in deadly crashes. This year, police have made only three arrests in pedestrian-related fatalities, with an average arrest rate of a mere 11 percent since 2019.
Fleeing the scene of an accident that results in only property damage can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential license suspension. Hit-and-run accidents resulting in injury may be considered a third-degree felony with up to seven years in prison and a large fine.
Drivers who flee crashes that cause a fatality can face a second-degree felony, with up to 10 years in prison and steeper fines. Pennsylvania also enforces mandatory minimum prison sentences for hit-and-run accidents involving serious bodily injury or death.
McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC is a full-service personal injury law firm. To learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation, call 215-569-8488 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.