By Pendergast Law on October 7, 2014
A 7-year-old girl has been critically injured in a Seattle car accident involving an SUV that drove away from the crash site. According to a King 5 news report, the hit-and-run accident occurred near the intersection of Martin Luther King Way and Genesee Street in Seattle. Officials say the girl was walking home from Kimball Elementary School after a tutoring class with her older sisters when a red or maroon Chevy Tahoe ran her over and drove away. Witnesses say the girls had the right-of-way. The young victim improved from critical to serious condition overnight. Authorities are looking for help in tracking down the driver responsible for the crash.
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal under Washington law. Under Washington 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.”
There are legal options available for victims of Seattle hit-and-run car accidents even when the at-fault driver is not known or is not apprehended. For example, the uninsured motorist claim of victim’s own insurance policy could cover losses such as medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been injured in car accident, please contact an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help ensure that you are justly compensated for all your injuries, damages and losses.