Hit-and-run accidents in Seattle can leave you shaken, angry, and unsure what to do next. One moment you’re driving, walking, or biking, and the next you’re left dealing with potentially devastating injuries. When the at-fault driver doesn’t stop, it makes a bad situation much worse.
Wondering what to do in a hit and run? It’s common to feel angry and confused in those first hours and days, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, even when the other driver disappears.
At Washington Injury Law, our Seattle hit and run accident attorney protects the rights of clients in these cases and explains what to do if you are a victim of a hit-and-run in King County.
I Was Involved in a Hit-and-Run in Seattle. Now What?
When traffic accidents happen in King County or anywhere in the state, the Washington Revised Code requires all motorists involved to remain at the scene. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
When people call our office and say, “I was involved in a hit and run,” the top priority is protecting their health and safety. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries may not be obvious at first. Some of the most serious injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal damage, don’t always show symptoms right away.
Even if you feel like you can “shake it off,” getting checked out protects your health and creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Seattle, we generally recommend taking these steps immediately:
- Call 911 to request police and EMS.
- Get checked out by paramedics at the scene.
- Go to the local emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor the same day
- Follow treatment plans and inform your provider of any new symptoms.
- Keep all medical records and discharge paperwork.
If you later need to explain what happened, medical documentation becomes one of your strongest forms of proof.
Report Seattle Hit and Run Crashes and Gather Whatever Information You Can
Injured victims often wonder what to do in a hit-and-run accident, and the lack of information can feel overwhelming. You may worry that without the other driver’s name or insurance, there are few legal options. Fortunately, that isn’t true, but gathering what you can early on plays a big role in protecting your rights to compensation.
When it comes to identifying hit-and-run drivers, even small details can help law enforcement. If you are able, try to document the following:
- The exact location and time of the accident, and the direction the driver fled.
- A description of the vehicle, including color, size, make, and model, if possible.
- Any part of the license plate you remember.
- Names and contact information for witnesses who may be able to identify the driver or testify as to what happened.
In the days after a hit and run, request a copy of the accident report from the King County Sheriff’s Office or other responding agencies. This report can provide additional information and may be necessary if you need to file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Understand How Insurance Works in Seattle Hit-and-Run Cases
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Seattle, you could be facing thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost income, and other costs. Worried that you’ll be stuck paying for everything out of pocket? This is a common concern.
Fortunately, the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner advises that your own insurance can help in this situation and may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain-related damages. Insurance coverage that may apply includes:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage;
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage;
- Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits;
- MedPay coverage;
- Comprehensive or collision coverage for vehicle damage;
The challenge is that insurers are often reluctant to pay out on these claims and may question whether the crash really happened the way you describe, or delay paying while they “review” the file. Unfortunately, in cases of bicycle or pedestrian hit-and-runs in Seattle, this is unlikely to be an option.
Our Seattle Hit and Run Attorney Helps You Hold At-Fault Drivers Accountable
Leaving the scene after causing an accident prevents victims from getting the immediate medical care they need. What motivates someone to be so cruel? The American Automobile Association (AAA) states that, aside from the obvious reason of avoiding responsibility, the driver may have been under the influence, have outstanding warrants, or have issues with immigration officials.
If you’re trying to figure out what to do in the aftermath, one of the most important steps is to get legal help. An experienced Seattle hit-and-run accident attorney can take the legal steps needed to identify the driver and hold them liable for the harm they cause:
- Coordinating investigations with law enforcement;
- Subpoenaing witnesses and soliciting tips from the public;
- Reviewing surveillance footage from nearby stores or businesses;
- Speaking to local mechanics who may have encountered the driver.
Once we identify who is at fault, we can file a lawsuit against them in King County Superior Court. Damages available include payment of current and future medical care, property damages, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Experienced Seattle Hit-and-Run Attorney Today To Protect Your Rights To Compensation
When someone calls our office and says, “I was involved in a hit and run,” we understand immediately what they are dealing with. If you are injured in this type of crash, you can count on Washington Injury Law to provide caring support and the fierce representation needed to get you compensation.
As an experienced Seattle hit-and-run accident attorney, we protect the rights of victims throughout King County. This includes Downtown (98101), Bellevue (98004-98009), and Capitol Hill (98102). Our office takes the time to listen, explains your options, and handles the legal side so you can focus on healing. Reach out and contact us today to request a consultation.