Leaving the scene of a car accident is illegal, and the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are severe. This is especially true if someone is injured in the accident. But if you do not know the identity of the driver that hit you, how will you get compensation for your injuries?
Hit-and-runs can be some of the most serious and stressful types of car accidents. If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington state, you may wish to seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney in order to make sure you get access to fair and full financial compensation.
Why Hire a Lawyer after a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A thorough investigation into a hit-and-run accident may uncover the person responsible for causing the collision, as well as any potential eyewitnesses, evidence, and other facts that may help support an injury victim's claim for damages. At Davis Law Group, we have an experienced team of investigators who will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for our clients.
Our team has the necessary resources to conduct a complete investigation into your accident case while also providing you with top-of-the-line client service and communciation so that you are informed about the status and important updates regarding your case.
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
There are a number of important steps that should be taken immediately after a hit-and-run accident. Take the following steps to protect your legal rights and improve your chances of a successful outcome:
- Call 911 immediately after the collision. This will ensure the accident is documented and that
- Document as much information about the incident as possible. This may be difficult in serious accidents or if the injured person has to be transported to a hospital from the scene, but the more information that can be documented the better.
- Gather contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately to diagnose and document your injuries and necessary medical treatment.
- Contact an experienced lawyer for a free consultation.
Washington State Hit-and-Run Law
Washington state law (RCW 26.52.020) requires a driver to stop their vehicle if they they’re involved in an accident which results in an injury or death. Even if the driver is not at fault, if they're involved in a collision, they must stop at the scene. A driver must remain at the scene until they have gathered the following information from the other party: name, address, insurance policy, insurance company, and the vehicle license plate number.
The drivers of the vehicles involved should exchange their licenses and write down each other’s information. If any parties involved are injured you should assist them until help arrives. Failing to not stop after you were involved in a car accident could result in a Class B or Class C felony.
A Class B felony could lead up a sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. A Class C felony could result in a penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If you were injured in a hit-and-run collision, contact an attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Reasons for a Hit-and-Run Collision
Drivers may choose to leave the scene of an accident for many reasons, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Drug use
- Immigration status
- Past legal trouble
- No valid driver’s license
- No motor vehicle insurance
Hit-and-run drivers may collide with other vehicles, strike pedestrians crossing the road, or hit a motorcycle or bicycle. The insurance issues and liability may differ in each type of accident.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer ASAP
Compensation for hit-and-run victims depends on several things, and without the assistance of an experienced lawyer, victims run the risk of accepting a settlement far below what their case is worth. Research has shown that victims who hire an attorney receive an average of 3.5x more in settlement money than those without an attorney.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Washington, the team of experienced attorneys at Davis Law Group, P.S., can provide aggressive representation and protect your rights. Please contact our office to schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys. You may call our office in Seattle at (206) 727-4000 or use the confidential contact form on this page to get in touch with our team.
