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The numbers tell a troubling story in Seattle: hit-and-run accidents have soared from one to two fatal crashes per year to eight recently. Even more concerning, drivers are now fleeing in two out of five deadly crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.
If you're hit by a driver who flees the scene, you have options. If they're caught, you can file a claim against their insurance or sue them. Otherwise, your own insurance might help through uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.
Let's walk through what you need to do if you find yourself in this type of car accident in Seattle. Taking these steps right away can make all the difference in protecting your rights and getting the help you need.
The first few minutes after a hit-and-run accident are crucial for gathering information and ensuring your safety. Your actions during this time can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation later. Here's what you need to know about handling these critical moments.
Your first priority after ensuring your immediate safety should be contacting law enforcement. Call 911 and provide as detailed information as possible about the incident. Try to recall and communicate the fleeing vehicle's color, make, model, and any part of the license plate number you might have seen.
Note the direction the vehicle traveled and any distinctive features like damage patterns, stickers, or modifications. If you caught a glimpse of the driver, share this information as well. The more details you can provide, the better chance law enforcement has of locating the responsible party.
While the incident is fresh, document everything you possibly can about the accident scene. Use your smartphone to capture comprehensive photos of your vehicle damage, focusing on all angles that show the impact. Look for and photograph any debris left behind by the fleeing vehicle, as these pieces might help identify the car's make and model.
Take pictures of any skid marks or other road evidence, and capture the overall scene, including traffic signals, signs, and road conditions. If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and if they'd be willing to share any photos or videos they may have taken.
Your health should be a top priority following any accident, even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries, particularly soft tissue damage, whiplash, and internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility for a thorough evaluation.
This medical documentation serves two crucial purposes: ensuring your well-being and creating an official record of your injuries for insurance or legal purposes. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and related expenses. This documentation will be vital for your claim.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. When speaking with your insurance provider, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened. Share the police report number, your photos of the damage, and witness information.
Make sure to ask about your coverage options, including uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection benefits that might apply to your situation.
The days and weeks following a hit-and-run accident are critical for building your case and protecting your rights. A systematic approach to gathering information and documentation can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Request a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available and review it carefully for accuracy. If you notice any discrepancies or have additional information to provide, contact the investigating officer promptly. Pay particular attention to witness statements and any evidence noted in the report that might help identify the fleeing driver.
In today's connected world, video evidence can be crucial in identifying hit-and-run drivers. Visit businesses near the accident scene and ask about their surveillance cameras. Check with local traffic authorities about intersection cameras that might have captured the incident.
Talk to residents in the area about doorbell cameras or security systems that might have recorded the fleeing vehicle. Time is of the essence, as many systems automatically delete footage after a certain period.
Local resources might help identify the hit-and-run vehicle. Contact local auto body shops and provide them with a description of the likely damage to the fleeing vehicle. Many hit-and-run drivers seek repairs at nearby shops, hoping to avoid detection.
Join community forums and social media groups where residents share information about local incidents. Sometimes, concerned citizens report suspicious vehicles that match the description of hit-and-run cars.
Speaking with a car accident attorney at Lehmbecker Law can provide clarity about your options and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. We can evaluate the unique circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and handle communications with insurance companies. We can also help you understand the potential value of your claim and guide you through the complex legal process.
When pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run accident, the path forward depends largely on whether the driver is found. Locating the person who fled the scene becomes the crucial first step. Our legal team works closely with law enforcement, reviews surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and interviews witnesses to help identify the driver.
If we successfully locate the driver, we can file a car accident claim to recover damages for:
In Washington State, you typically have three years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. Many of these cases are settled through careful negotiation, though we're always prepared to take your case to trial if that's what's needed to secure fair compensation.
But what if the driver is never found? You may still have options for recovery. One of the most important is uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which can protect you in cases involving phantom vehicles. However, dealing with your own insurance company isn't always straightforward — they're still focused on their bottom line and may try to minimize your claim.
That's where having professional legal representation becomes crucial. Even though you're dealing with your own insurance provider, they're not automatically on your side. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to reduce payouts or deny coverage for certain expenses.
Our team knows these tactics and how to counter them effectively. We handle all communications with the insurance company, pushing back against unfair claim denials and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Washington State requires careful attention to detail and prompt action to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. From the crucial first moments at the accident scene through the complex process of dealing with insurance companies and possible legal proceedings, each step you take can impact your ability to recover damages.
Lehmbecker Law's Seattle personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges hit-and-run victims face. Contact us today to file a car accident claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be terrifying, and you might not know how to pursue compensation or recover financially. Our Seattle attorneys at Lehmbecker Law can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
