What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Washington

Being the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and unsure of what steps to take next. Without quick action, you risk losing critical evidence, facing mounting legal and financial challenges, and missing your chance for justice.

At McPartland Law Offices, we are here to guide you through this difficult time, offering the legal representation and support you need to hold the responsible party accountable—schedule a free consultation today to protect your rights and your future.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when a motorist collides with another motor vehicle, a person, property, or any object of value and then flees the scene.

Hit-and-run drivers leave the scene so quickly that they do not provide the victim with their identity or insurance information.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene?

Drivers might flee the scene of an automobile collision for several reasons, mainly fear or an unwillingness to take responsibility. Common reasons for hit-and-run accidents are:

• The motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and did not want to get arrested.
• The driver stole a vehicle and then got into an accident.
• The driver is uninsured or unlicensed and flees in fear of repercussions.
• A warrant was issued for the driver for other crimes, and they are afraid of being caught.

Another reason a driver may flee the accident scene is because they simply panic and respond by leaving the accident site. Aside from it not being the right thing to do and unlawful, sadly, it does occur.

Types of Hit-and-Run Scenarios

All hit-and-run accidents involve the driver fleeing the scene. However, hit-and-runs can have a variety of different scenarios, which we will discuss here.

Attended Hit-and-Run

An attended hit-and-run is when a motorist hits another car where the victim is in the car. In some cases, the fleeing driver faces a gross misdemeanor, but when serious injury or death occurs, they can be charged with a felony.

Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

In hit-and-runs involving pedestrians, the penalties depend upon the severity of injuries. Drivers who flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian face:

• Felony or misdemeanor charges
• Fines of $5,000 to $20,000
• Jail time ranging from 90 days to 10 years
• Suspended or revoked driver’s license
• Increase in insurance rates
• Difficulty obtaining insurance coverage
• Civil lawsuits

Hit-and-Run Causing Property Damage

In situations where property, such as vehicles, fences, or buildings, are damaged but no injuries occur, Washington state still imposes penalties. Driver charges include a misdemeanor, jail time, fines, restitution to the victim, and higher insurance premium rates.

Hit-and-Run in Heavy Traffic or Road Congestion

Accidents occurring in dense traffic conditions can be challenging to identify fleeing drivers. Legally, motorists are obligated to stop. Failing to do so, even in minor accidents, is still considered a serious offense. Drivers face either a misdemeanor or a felony, jail time, fines, and license suspensions.

Hit-and-Run on Private Property

When hit-and-run accidents occur on private property, such as parking lots or driveways, this does not change your rights or the penalties associated with fleeing the scene. Try to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle or driver and report the accident to law enforcement.

Unattended Hit-and-Run

Unattended hit-and-runs are when a stationary vehicle is struck while parked, and the motorist leaves the scene without providing the owner of the struck vehicle any identifying information.

Hit-and-Run Involving a Parked Vehicle

In cases where a motorist strikes a parked, stationary vehicle and leaves the owner without any identifying information, this is a simple misdemeanor crime. Drivers can face a short jail sentence and a fine up to $1,000.

Unreported Hit-and-Run Accident

All accidents should be reported, even if you do not know who hit you. When hit-and-run accidents are not reported to the authorities, this complicates insurance claims and can hinder taking civil legal action to cover losses.

Hit-and-Run with Limited Witnesses or Evidence

When a hit-and-run has limited witnesses or evidence, it makes it difficult to locate the responsible party and poses legal challenges.

Physical evidence becomes important, such as paint transfer, tire tracks, surveillance footage, and cell phone data placing a suspect at the scene are potential pieces of evidence. Without concrete evidence, you’ll want a skilled attorney to build a strong case using circumstantial evidence.

Is There a Hit-and-Run Law in Washington State?

The state of Washington is clear on its expectations of what to do if you collide with another car, person, or property. Motorists caught disobeying laws will receive penalties. The state requires drivers to:

• Stop their motor vehicle
• Move their vehicle out of the way of traffic, if safe to do so
• Provide contact and insurance information to the victim
• Call for medical help if anyone appears to have injuries

Drivers failing to meet these expectations could face severe penalties in the form of fines and jail time, along with criminal charges.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, take the following immediate steps.

Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

Check for injuries on yourself and any passengers you may have been transporting. Some injuries will have immediate pain or be visible, but other injuries may not be evident. It is important to do your best to assess the situation and try to identify injuries to prevent further harm.

Call 911 and Report the Accident – VERY IMPORTANT

Call 911 to contact emergency services for medical assistance. This way, immediate medical treatment can be issued to car crash victims, and law enforcement can evaluate the accident scene, gather facts, and file an official police report.

Often times, in a hit and run collision, the identity of the other party will be difficult to establish. Your insurance policy likely has a clause that requires your reporting the crash to police within a certain time frame after the crash. If you are reading this for the first time, and have not already done so, report the collision to law enforcement immediately.

Document the Accident Scene

Evidence relating to the accident is vital for your accident claim or if you eventually need to file a lawsuit. Information to gather includes pictures of the accident scene, vehicles, injuries, road conditions, signage, and any other relevant details. Video is also helpful.

Gather Witness Contact Information

Eyewitnesses to the crash can share details with police officers about what they saw. Ask anyone in the vicinity of the accident if they saw what happened. Either way, collect names and contact information so your attorney can also speak with them.

Note Details About the Fleeing Vehicle

If you remember any details about the hit-and-run driver or their motor vehicle, immediately write them down. Details such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number can help identify and locate the fleeing motorist.

Move the Vehicle to a Safe Location, If Necessary

In cases where an accident occurs in an intersection, curvy road, or other hazardous spot, if you are able, you should move your vehicle to a safe area.

Turn on Hazard Lights to Warn Oncoming Traffic

Whether you move your vehicle or not, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your car is stopped, helping to avoid additional accidents.

Avoid Chasing the At-Fault Driver

Stop your vehicle immediately after being hit. If your vehicle is still drivable, never try to chase the at-fault driver. It is safer and more effective to remain at the crash site and let law enforcement handle the situation.

How Does Insurance Handle a Hit-and-Run?

Hit-and-runs are normally handled by insurance under two types of policies.

• Collision coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage

Collision Coverage

With collision coverage on your policy, you are protected regardless of who is at fault. However, when an accident is covered by this type of coverage, it will subsequently list you as at fault, which can be seen on your driving record.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage can be used in cases where you are unsure who to file a claim against. This will help you get coverage for damages when you were not at fault.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage, which is usually offered alongside uninsured motorist coverage, protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have enough coverage to pay for the damages or injuries they caused.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

PIP is optional coverage in Washington. You could use it if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and sustained injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.

What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run Offenses in Washington?

Drivers who commit hit-and-run accidents in Washington can face several penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.

The consequences will depend upon the severity of the accident. Maximum penalties include up to 10 years in jail, fines up to $20,000, and loss of license. In misdemeanor cases, jail time and fines can also apply.

How Do Fault Rules in Washington Impact a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Washington is an at-fault state, which means negligence must be proven. Victims must demonstrate the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care, causing harm.

Hit-and-runs are treated a little bit differently in the personal injury claims process since it is automatically assumed the fleeing driver is at fault. Victims can obtain full compensation without being assigned a percentage of blame.

What Legal Options Do I Have After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you can pursue compensation in several ways:

• File a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage if the driver cannot be found.
• Pursue a civil lawsuit if you can identify the at-fault driver.
• File for damages through Washington’s Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Consulting with an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer should be your first step. Your attorney can evaluate and suggest which course of action to take.

What Compensation is Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

As a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you can pursue both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, hospitalizations, pain and suffering, medication, therapies, lost wages, property damage, and emotional anguish.

What If the at-Fault Party Cannot Be Identified?

If you cannot locate the party responsible for the hit-and-run, you can file a claim with your own insurance policy if you purchased uninsured motorist coverage.

However, this may pose challenges as insurance companies often dispute hit-and-runs.

How Do I Handle Insurance After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

To file a car accident claim with the insurance company, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. You will need to provide evidence, such as the police report, photos, video, eyewitness testimony, and any other relevant details.

How Can a Law Firm Help After a Hit-and-Run Vehicle Accident?

An experienced car accident attorney can assist with legal advice, file claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue personal injury lawsuits to secure fair compensation.

Why Clients Choose McPartland Law Offices

Injury victims often select McPartland Law Offices to represent them because of our core values. We are creative, curious, consistent, and courageous. We are relentless and will not back down as we pursue justice.

Everyone deserves strong legal representation. Our law firm was founded in 2012 and, to date, has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are not about turning a quick dollar for our own benefit; we strive to do right by each and every client we represent.

Testimonials

“I was so nervous, because I had never been involved in a car accident and personal injury case before. From the first day that I came into the office, I was immediately put at ease and was comfortable handing everything over to you. You handled everything, and I could focus on running my business.” – Mary

“Without going into specifics, I have been stressed out for almost a month trying to figure out how to handle a legal issue. I contacted Bryce McPartland for a consultation where I expected him to tell me I had no case. Instead, Bryce looked at my documentation and asked me a few questions. Within an hour, Bryce had a letter written which was sent out that day. The next day, I was informed that my issue was resolved. I couldn’t believe it.” – George R.

Ready to Discuss Your Hit-and-Run Case?

The caring and compassionate car accident lawyers at McPartland Law Offices are here for you and your family members.

If you or your loved ones suffered injury due to an irresponsible hit-and-run driver, we can help you navigate the complexities of Washington’s at-fault auto insurance laws.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call us. Our phone number is 509-495-1247. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form.