Seattle Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A hit-and-run accident happens when the at-fault driver flees the scene of a car accident, without fulfilling his or her legal duties to victims. Washington law states that all drivers involved in a collision must remain at the scene, assist anyone with injuries, and report the accident to the police if it causes injuries, deaths, or more than $700 in property damage. Failure to do so is a crime.

If you have personal injuries from a hit-and-run accident in Seattle, contact Washington Injury Law to discuss your options. It may be possible to obtain financial compensation even without the at-fault driver available. Our Seattle hit-and-run accident attorneys have experience handling hit-and-run cases and can help you fight for a fair recovery. Contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose Washington Injury Law?

  • We have the experience to take your case where it needs to go. Attorney Janelle Bailey has a scientific background, which better equips her to handle personal injury claims.
  • We care about our clients. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers want you and your family to earn the recovery you require after a harmful hit-and-run accident in Seattle.
  • We operate on a contingency fee basis. Our firm does not charge for services unless we win the case.

Seattle Hit and Run Accident Quick Links

Do You Need a Seattle Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney?

Washington is a fault car accident insurance state, with an option to add no-fault personal injury protection coverage to policies. In most cases, the at-fault party will be responsible for paying for victims’ losses. If the at-fault driver takes off, however, it can be difficult to know where to turn for compensation for your medical bills and property damages. A lawyer can help you resolve your case. A Seattle car accident attorney can take over insurance claim negotiations, fighting for restitution from your insurer and/or other parties. It is important to hire a Seattle hit and run attorney if you or a loved one suffered serious injuries. Otherwise, you may not receive fair compensation.

Civil vs. Criminal Hit-and-Run Case

Since hit-and-run is a crime in Washington, a case can go to both courts. If the police catch the at-fault driver, the city may press charges against him or her. A hit-and-run that causes injury is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A criminal case aims to punish the defendant for his or her misconduct. A civil case, on the other hand, serves to reimburse victims for their losses. It is up to the victim to pursue a civil claim, not the city.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

You may wonder how to file your claim if the police do not catch the at-fault driver. The answer is through a different insurance company. Hire a personal injury lawyer in Seattle to investigate your accident. A third party may have contributed. For example, the city of Seattle may share liability for a poorly designed crosswalk, or a product manufacturer could be liable for a defective seatbelt. If no third parties can share the blame, your own insurance company may cover your damages, if your policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can cover your hit-and-run damages as if the driver had remained on the scene but did not have enough insurance. This type of insurance is optional in Washington. Review your policy to see if you carry this coverage. If you do not have this insurance, a third party did not contribute, and police do not catch the at-fault driver, you may be out of insurance options. A hit-and-run attorney in Seattle can help you explore potential outlets for recovery.

Contact Our Seattle Hit and Run Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

A hit-and-run accident could cause serious personal injuries, disabilities, expensive property damage, or wrongful death incidents in Seattle. At Washington Injury Law, we believe in holding the at-fault party responsible for his or her actions. If that is not possible, we can at least help victims obtain financial recovery through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Let us review your claim in Seattle for free. Contact us online or call today.