Car accidents are never fun, but getting hit by a driver who flees the scene before any insurance or contact information is exchanged can greatly add to the stress. This type of accident is called a hit and run accident and can happen after a vehicle crashes into another moving vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist, but it can also be a single-vehicle accident that involves property damage to a parked car or other object. Drivers flee the scene for a variety of reasons, including trying to escape manslaughter charges, fear of being deported, or being arrested for drunk driving.
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident where the other driver fled the scene, your accident claim will be more complicated with various legal and practical implications associated with hit and run accidents. It is important to seek a consultation with an experienced, local car accident attorney who can help you recover the maximum settlement for your losses.
How Common are Hit-and-Run Accidents in Washington State?
Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are relatively common. According to data from NHTSA, there were nearly 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). In 2016, there were 2,049 fatalities resulting from hit and run accidents. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that thousands of hit-and-run incidents happen every year, leaving victims with injuries, property damage, and, in many cases, a challenging situation for recovering compensation.
Understanding Your Rights as a Hit and Run Accident Victim
Even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified, you still have legal options to seek compensation and protect your rights. Taking swift, informed action can help build a strong foundation for your case and increase your chances of recovering damages.
Steps to Take After You are Injured in a Hit and Run Accident:
- Call 911 and file a police report. After the accident happens, you should call 9-1-1 to the scene of the accident so the police can write and file a police report. Document everything about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind, including vehicle description, license plate # if you saw it, location, and any witnesses.
- Seek immediate medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to seek prompt diagnosis and care because it protects your health and because medical diagnoses and documented treatment are essential for supporting your accident claim.
- Notify your insurance company. Most insurance policies require their clients to report accidents to them in a timely manner. At that time, you should ask specifically about Uninsured Motorist (UM) and PIP coverage. (In most states, including Washington, your own insurance policy may offer coverage through Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These coverage options can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering if the driver is never found.)
- Consult a personal injury attorney. As soon as possible after the accident, consult a local personal injury attorney familiar with hit and run cases to ensure every possible avenue for compensation is explored, and for help investigating the accident and identifying the at-fault party.
- Preserve all evidence. Photos of the cars involved and the debris left behind, medical records, and any surveillance footage that you can gather are extremely helpful for strengthening your case.
- Track expenses and missed work. Keep clear records of all costs associated with the accident for reimbursement purposes.
Don’t feel like you have to handle the burden of being injured in a hit and run accident on your own. A personal injury lawyer can provide legal support and help you access insurance resources that may be available to help you recover both physically and financially after the at-fault driver left you injured at the scene.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in a car accident with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County who were injured in Washington State since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
