Seattle Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Leaving the scene of an injury accident in Washington is illegal but it is also tragically common. Injured victims are often left with towering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering without knowing if they will ever be able to hold at-fault parties accountable. Fortunately, an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney can help an injured hit-and-run accident victim receive fair compensation for the losses they have suffered whether or not the at-fault driver is found by the authorities.
Washington Hit-and-Run Law
According to Washington Revised Statute 46.52.020, "A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident." Drivers must stop at the scene of a crash, exchange information, contact authorities and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured crash victims.
Washington Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
According to the 2009 Washington State Collision Data Summary:
- 4,630 Washington hit-and-run accidents involved a driver striking a parked car and then leaving the scene of the crash. Also, 2,782 hit-and-run crashes in Washington involved the driver striking a fixed object. During the same year, 1,906 hit-and-run accidents involved a driver rear-ending a stopped vehicle.
- King County had by far the most hit-and-run accidents in the year 2009 with 7,041. Pierce County had the next highest number of hit-and-run crashes with 1,807.
- 4,364 hit-and-run accidents occurred in Seattle in the year 2009. During that same year, there were 1,028 hit-and-run crashes in Tacoma, 434 hit-and-run accidents in Everett and 371 in Vancouver.
- Hit-and-run collisions most often occur on a Friday. Also 5 p.m. is the most common time of day for hit-and-run crashes in Washington State.
Liability Issues and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When a hit-and-run driver is found, he or she could not only face criminal charges, but also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. When the at-fault motorist is not found, compensation may still be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim's own motor vehicle insurance policy. Compensation that could be claimed by injured victims includes:
- All past and future medical expenses related to the accident
- All past and future suffering
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Cost of rehabilitation
In cases where a hit-and-run driver kills the victim, the victim's family may seek compensation for additional expenses including funeral bills, lost future wages and loss of companionship.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
The skilled Washington hit and run accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. have a long and successful track record of obtaining just compensation for injured car accident victims and their families. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and make sure that your best interests are protected. We have years of experience handling all types of injury accidents including crashes involving hit-and-run drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle hit-and-run crash, please contact our law offices for a free and comprehensive consultation at (888) 228-3860.
