Driver flees scene after pedestrian struck amid disabled vehicle on southbound I-95
A woman was left in critical condition late Wednesday, July 15, after being struck on southbound Interstate 95 near the exit for the Walt Whitman Bridge, Pennsylvania State Police said Friday.
State police identified the victim as a 37-year-old woman from Clifton Heights. Officers say she lost control of her red Chrysler 300C, struck a median and left her vehicle disabled in the left lane. When she exited the car to check for damage, a southbound driver struck her and left without stopping, according to the preliminary account.
"We are thinking of the woman and her family as she fights to recover."
Emergency personnel responded to the crash around 10:36 p.m. The woman was thrown into the middle-right lane and taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Southbound I-95 was closed for a period while crews cleared the scene and investigators worked to gather evidence.
Investigation and next steps
State police said there is currently no description available for the driver or the striking vehicle. The search for the hit-and-run driver is ongoing and the investigation remains active.
For readers tracking how the case may proceed, here are operational details investigators typically pursue:
- Review of crash-scene evidence and vehicle debris
- Analysis of nearby traffic and surveillance cameras
- Interviews with witnesses and other motorists
Insurance and legal context for victims
When a fleeing driver cannot be found, Pennsylvania law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of auto policies. That coverage can apply to hit-and-run incidents where the at-fault motorist is not identified or lacks insurance.
| Issue | How it may be handled |
|---|---|
| Medical bills | Claim through victim's uninsured motorist coverage |
| Lost income | Potential recovery if disabilities prevent work |
| Pain and suffering | Evaluated based on severity and ongoing treatment |
Police did not provide additional details about the striking vehicle or any possible leads. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Pennsylvania State Police to assist in the investigation.
The crash highlights safety risks for motorists who must exit disabled vehicles on high-speed roadways and the ongoing challenge of identifying drivers who leave crash scenes. For Philadelphia-area commuters and officials, it underscores the need for clear roadside procedures and the role of surveillance and witness accounts in solving hit-and-run cases.
State police continue to investigate. No arrests or citations have been reported as of the latest update.
