Columbia, PA – Child Injured in Hit-and-Run on Chestnut St

Columbia, PA (March 22, 2026) – Authorities are searching for a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a juvenile injured on Friday, March 20, in Lancaster County.

According to police, officers responded around 8:00 p.m. to the 200 block of Chestnut Street after receiving reports of a child struck by a pickup truck. 

Officials said the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene after the collision, continuing eastbound on Pennsylvania Route 462. Emergency responders arrived to assist the injured child, though authorities have not released details regarding their age or current condition.

Police are actively working to identify and locate the driver involved. The investigation into the hit-and-run crash remains ongoing.

Our thoughts are with the child and their family as they focus on recovery.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Philadelphia

After a hit-and-run accident in Philadelphia, your priority should always be safety and medical care. You should receive immediate attention from emergency responders, even if the injuries are not immediately clear. Pedestrians, especially children, can suffer serious injuries that may require thorough medical evaluation and follow-up care.

Law enforcement officers typically begin an investigation by gathering information from witnesses and reviewing any available evidence. This may include surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcam recordings from passing vehicles. Even small details, such as the vehicle's color, make, or direction of travel, can help authorities identify the driver.

If possible, documenting the scene can also be helpful. Photographs, witness contact information, and notes about the vehicle involved may assist investigators and support any future insurance claims.

In hit-and-run cases, police may also issue alerts to surrounding agencies in an effort to locate the suspect vehicle.

Victims or their families may also be asked to provide statements to investigators as the case progresses. Keeping a record of any communication with law enforcement, as well as updates on the victim’s medical condition, can be helpful during both the investigation and claims process.

Pennsylvania follows a fault-based insurance system, but in hit-and-run situations, victims may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage to help cover medical expenses and other losses.

Because these cases can involve both criminal investigations and insurance claims, the process can become complex. For this reason, some families choose to speak with a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident.

Legal guidance can help explain how claims may be handled, what compensation might be available, and what steps can be taken while authorities continue searching for the driver involved.

At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we help families across Pennsylvania understand their rights and evaluate potential legal options after pedestrian accidents.

If you need clear information about your situation, you can contact Edelstein, Martin & Nelson at 888-630-4409 to speak with our pedestrian accident lawyer to have your case reviewed by our lawyers.