If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Washington, you probably don’t know what steps to take next. This can be a very overwhelming situation, and you may not know what to do after a hit-and-run in WA, or whether or not you can still get compensation.
If you are the victim of a collision where the other driver fled the scene of the car accident, you need to hire a Camas car accident lawyer to represent you. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident attorneys has extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases in Washington and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to find out how to receive compensation for hit-and-run injuries and what your legal options are, whether the driver is found or not.
What is Considered a Hit-and-Run Under Washington Law?
A hit-and-run accident in Washington is when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, person, or property and flees the scene of the collision. In Washington, motorists are legally required to stop and exchange identity and insurance information whenever there is any type of auto accident. Anytime a motorist does not do this and leaves the scene, it is labeled as a hit-and-run collision.
Here are the specific steps Washington law outlines that motorists must follow when there is any type of collision:
- Stop the vehicle
- Move the vehicle off the road if possible
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other involved parties
- Call for medical help if anyone is injured
Depending on the extent of the damage, Washington may also require drivers to report the accident to the police so that a police report can be made.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Although most people think of a specific scenario when it comes to hit-and-run accidents, there are a variety of situations where this may occur. For instance, there are attended and unattended hit-and-run accidents that depend on whether or not the victim is in the car at the time of the collision.
Here are some additional types of auto accidents that could be labeled as hit-and-run collisions:
- Pedestrian hit-and-runs
- Property damage hit-and-runs
- Private property hit-and-runs
- Parked vehicle hit-and-runs
Immediate Steps to Take After the Other Driver Flees
The good news for Washington drivers is that if you are the victim of a hit-and-run collision, the steps you will need to take are relatively straightforward. You will need to follow many of the same steps you would if you were involved in any other type of auto accident, which include:
- Get medical attention: If you or any passengers are injured, you need to call emergency services for medical assistance. Not only does this ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle, but it will also help you to document the extent of your injuries for when you file a claim later on.
- Report the accident: Reporting a hit-and-run accident in WA is one of the most important things you need to do after being involved in a hit-and-run collision. This will help to notify the police of the accident so they can create a police report and investigate the other driver.
- Gather evidence: If you aren’t seriously injured, it is also a good idea to gather as much evidence as possible at the collision scene. You can do this by taking photos and looking to see if there are any nearby surveillance cameras. If there are any witnesses, you should collect their contact information so that your Vancouver, WA hit-and-run lawyer can contact them later on.
Legal Options Available to Washington Residents in Hit-and-Run Accidents
In the majority of Washington hit-and-run cases, your claim will be handled by either collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. Collision coverage will provide you with protection no matter who is at fault. Whereas uninsured motorist coverage is useful if the other driver cannot be identified.
Additionally, you may be able to use underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver is identified but they don’t have enough insurance coverage to cover your damages. Personal injury protection coverage is also an option if this is something included in your policy.
If the other driver is identified, you could pursue them with a civil lawsuit that will hold them responsible for any injuries or property damage you sustained.
No matter what legal option you choose, it is essential that you hire a hit-and-run accident attorney to represent you. These types of accidents can be complex, and an attorney will be up-to-date with Washington laws and can handle communications on your behalf.
Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Hit-and-run accidents in Washington can feel very overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what your legal options are. That is why it is essential to get legal help after a hit-and-run accident to ensure you get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced hit-and-run attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping victims get the compensation they are entitled to. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Can I recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes, your insurance policy most likely includes different types of coverage to help cover injuries and damages, even if the other driver isn’t located. You shouldn’t usually have any issue getting coverage since hit-and-run accidents place fault on the driver that fled the scene of the collision.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply in hit-and-run cases?
Yes, you have the option of using uninsured motorist coverage even if the other driver isn’t found. This is because you can use uninsured motorist coverage as long as you are not at fault for the accident.
Should I still contact a lawyer even if the other driver disappeared?
Yes, even if the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, it is still essential that you get legal representation. This is because an attorney will act on your behalf and negotiate with insurance companies so that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement amount.