Updated on: 7/8/2020
A driver involved in a hit-and-run crash in Puyallup last week panicked and walked to a nearby store and called an Uber ride, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Police received word of an erratic vehicle and a possible collision at Route 512 and Meridian Street. Hours later they found tire tracks leading into the brush at Route 512 and 94th Avenue East, with a little girl crying because she thought he mother was going to die.
The girl and her mother had been traveling in a Lincoln Navigator, colliding with a Honda Civic. Both cars went off the road and into the brush. The driver and passengers in the Honda walked to a corner store and hailed an Uber ride. The Honda driver was later identified and spoke with detectives. No charges were filed as of last week.
According to police, the Honda driver did not have a driver's license and had thought the Lincoln had fled after the crash.
The mother suffered internal bleeding, broken ribs and broken legs. She had surgery later that day. Police ask that anyone with information about the crash call Detective Eric Gunderson at 253-538-3176.
In A Hit-And-Run Crash...
If you are involved in an accident that results in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person, you are required by law to remain at the scene. Failing to do so will result in a felony crime.
If a crash is caused by a hit-and-run driver, and you are conscious and do not require emergency medical attention, it is a good idea to do the following things:
- Call the police immediately and tell them the driver left the scene.
- Takes notes of everything you remember about the accident, including the make, model, color and license plate of the vehicle that hit you.
- Seek out any potential witnesses to the crash and get their version of the crash, as well as their contact information.
- If possible, it is a good idea to take pictures of the area you were hit.
- Identify any traffic cameras or surveillance that might assist police officers in finding the driver who hit you.
Do You Need An Attorney?
If you are the victim of a serious car crash, and particularly a hit-and-run incident, you may be confused, upset and at a loss for what to do next. In many cases, the driver who hit you is never identified, and the ensuing legal process can be a headache.
The circumstances in each case are different, but generally hit-and-run victims can file a claim against their own insurance company, depending on the type of insurance coverage. Crashes caused by hit-and-run drivers — sometimes referred to as “Phantom Vehicles” — will typically be covered by Uninsured Motorist Coverage. If you carry UM coverage, the insurance company will be responsible for paying your medical bills, loss wages and pain and suffering.
The Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program may be able to help you cover some of your medical expenses as well.
Consulting with a qualified car accident attorney with a strong track record representing hit-and-run victims is highly recommended. Hiring the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Award-winning personal injury attorney Chris Davis of Davis Law Group, P.S., has years of experience handling hit-and-run claims and has successfully negotiated settlements for his clients. Though no amount of money will ever make up for the damages sustained in these serious accidents, Mr. Davis can help you navigate the complex and stressful nature of these situations and help you get what you deserve.
Image Source: Washington State Patrol
