Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
A hit-and-run accident is when the at-fault driver of a car accident doesn’t stay at the scene, and instead flees the scene. This means that they did not fulfill their legal duties to the other driver. In the state of Washington, drivers that were in a collision have to stay at the scene, help any injured people, and contact police if there were injuries, deaths, or significant property damage (over an estimated $700 worth). When these things are not done, what happened is considered a hit-and-run.
Hit-and-run accidents are an ongoing problem in Washington state, with many recent examples of this type of accident happening. One of these was an incident where a man hit a pregnant woman that was walking near Cable Bridge in Kennewick, Washington. The man drove off and didn’t stay at the scene. In another case, a man hit a Ben Franklin Transit bus in Richland and then fled the scene. Thankfully, both perpetrators were found and got arrested. In many hit-and-runs though, it can be difficult to find the at-fault person or for victims to get full justice.
If you get into a car accident in Washington state, you MUST pull over to the side of the road so that you can give your vehicle, contact, and insurance information to the other driver involved. If you leave the scene after the accident and do not do this, you could be charged with a crime. Forensics has improved significantly since the time when people first started driving cars. It’s likely that, with proper investigation, someone that perpetrates a hit-and-run will be caught. There are many cameras around nowadays at traffic lights, on car dashboards, and buildings. This footage is very helpful in solving this type of accident.
If someone was injured in a hit-and-run accident, the person that left the scene could be charged a felony. If you hit an unattended car and then leave without talking to the car’s owner or leaving a note, that is a misdemeanor in Washington state. If the car was attended at the time, then the crime becomes a gross misdemeanor. When a hit-and-run hurts another person, that is classified as a Class C felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to five years prison time. Finally, if someone is killed from a hit-and-run, that is a Class B felony. That decision a driver makes after an accident is so important; to stay, or go?
Not only should you provide your information, but you should check on the other driver. They may need immediate medical attention. Not only is staying at the accident scene the right thing to do, but it could save someone’s life. Washington state actually requires drivers in accidents to provide “reasonable assistance.” This is interesting, because usually the law just restricts behavior instead of requiring people to take action. But in the case of being involved in a car accident, you have to stop and help if you need to. That means calling 911, asking the person if they’re okay, and even taking them to the hospital if needed.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit-and-run, report as much information as you can to the police. This includes anything you may remember about the vehicle, such as its make, color, or model, which will be helpful evidence in tracking down the perpetrator. You should also talk about the details of the accident, and if you remember any numbers from the license plate.
Hit-and-Run Accident Law Firm in Seattle, Wa.
Washington is what is referred to as a fault car accident insurance state. People also have the option to add no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to their insurance policies. However, in most cases where someone was injured in an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance will have to cover their damages. However, in hit-and-runs where the driver flees the scene, it can be hard for victims to figure out how to obtain compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and more. This is where a Seattle personal injury lawyer steps in. They can deal with negotiating with the insurance company, representing your best interests and your side of the story to achieve fair resolution. Having an attorney by your side is often needed to be taken seriously and recover as much compensation as possible.
If police do not catch the at-fault driver that caused your injuries, you may not be sure that you can still file a claim. The answer is that there may be a third party that was partially to blame for the accident, which can be determined through proper investigation. An example is that the city of Seattle could be liable if you were hit at a poorly designed sidewalk. If the accident was partially caused by a defective car part, then the manufacturer could be held liable. If there are no third parties at fault in the accident though, your own insurance company may be able to cover some damages. It’s important to hire a hit-and-run attorney to help you explore potential options for recovering compensation.
Another important thing you should do is reach out to a personal injury attorney. At Seattle Injury Law, we have recovered large amounts for hit-and-run victims. Reach out to us so that we can go over your options. We are experienced in handling hit-and-run cases because we specialize in personal injury law. Our team cares about victims and takes the time to get to know each of them and their stories. We want to help personal injury victims get justice, and receive the compensation that they need to get back to their normal lives. We apply our knowledge towards handling personal injury claims from start to finish.
Hit-and-run accidents can cause substantial harm, including serious injuries, death, permanent disabilities, financial trouble, and more. Seattle Injury Law believes that victims deserve to live the best lives possible after being injured in an accident caused by another person’s recklessness or negligence. We work to make that possible through pursuing claims for clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that we get paid only after winning your claim and securing compensation for you. This takes the burden of paying lawyer fees off of the shoulders of victims.
Reach out to us today so that we can help you get started on your hit-and-run claim.
