Under Washington law, when a driver is involved in an accident, they must stop and exchange information with the other people involved. Failure to do so is a criminal offense. Nonetheless, many people are involved in motor vehicle accidents where the other vehicle leaves the scene. This is known as a “hit and run” accident.

A hit and run accident is a frustrating experience that can leave you wondering how you will pay for damage to your vehicle and other property. If you were injured and the other driver fled the scene, you may have questions about who will pay for your hospital and medical expenses and other losses you suffered.

At Robinson & Kole, our attorneys have decades of experience guiding people through the personal injury claims process. We can answer your questions, investigate your claim, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. From our office in Bellingham, we represent people throughout Washington State. We are proud to provide our clients with reassurance and peace of mind knowing their claim is being handled by a professional. For our Spanish-speaking clients, we have bilingual team members who make it easy to work with us.

Contact Robinson & Kole today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is any car crash in which one driver leaves the scene without providing identification and insurance information to the other people involved. In Washington, hit and run is a criminal offense that can carry severe penalties.

Drivers leave the scene of an accident for various reasons, including panic, driver inexperience, driving without a valid driver’s license, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the driver has a criminal record or an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

Regardless of the reason, it is infuriating when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene. If you were involved in a hit and run accident, you likely have questions and may not know where to turn. The personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole can evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Should You Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

A car accident is a stressful and traumatic event. Even more so if the other driver left the scene. Nonetheless, you should respond to a hit and run accident essentially the same way you would any other car crash:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
• Call 9-1-1 if anyone is seriously injured.
• Move your vehicle to safety, if possible.
• Gather as much information as possible about the other vehicle, including the license plate number, the make, model, and color of the vehicle, and a description of the other driver.
• Take pictures of the accident scene.
• Identify potential witnesses and get their contact information.
• Make a police report.
• See a doctor.
• Consult with an experienced attorney.

Obtaining Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident

If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, and other economic losses, and for non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, obtaining the compensation you deserve after a hit and run accident presents unique challenges. Our attorneys can guide you through this process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our office will work to identify the driver of the other vehicle. If we are successful and the other driver has insurance, we will open a claim with their insurance carrier and seek compensation on your behalf.

If, despite our best efforts, we cannot identify the other driver or if we identify them and learn they were uninsured, we can file a claim with your insurance carrier and seek compensation through your Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage.

You may also be eligible for compensation through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

How Robinson & Kole Can Help

If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Washington State, the personal injury lawyers at Robinson & Kole can help. We will thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence to prove the full extent of your losses, and fight for maximum financial recovery. Our attorneys are tenacious negotiators and experienced litigators who will stand up for your rights.

Contact Robinson & Kole Today

We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 360-671-8112 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.