Hit-and-Run Accidents in Pasco: What You Need to Know
A hit-and-run accident is when a driver flees the scene of an accident without stopping to help or exchange information. Causing a hit-and-run can lead to prison time and hefty fines. Hit-and-runs can result in terrible injuries, and receiving compensation can be complicated whether or not the driver is caught. A personal injury lawyer can help hit-and-run victims recover financial compensation.
Hit-and-run accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries to victims. Beyond the catastrophic damage, victims may struggle to seek compensation because the driver fled the scene. BGN Attorneys will fight for your rights and to get compensation for what you went through. Hit-and-run claims can quickly become complicated, and you need an expert on your side.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Essentially, a hit-and-run accident happens when a driver fails to stop at the scene to render aid and provide their information. A driver fleeing the scene can mean the difference between life and death for an accident victim.
Under Washington state law, drivers must stop if they are involved in an accident that involves someone else. When they stop, they are expected to provide reasonable assistance, such as calling emergency medical services or driving them to a hospital. Drivers must also provide their full name, address, license plate number, and insurance company information.
If a driver flees the scene of an accident involving injury or death, they can be charged with a felony. Washington is very strict about hit-and-runs. Injuring another person in an accident and not stopping can lead to up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Fleeing an accident scene that resulted in death can mean up to a $20,000 fine and spending a decade in prison. Depending on the circumstances, a driver may also face other traffic or criminal charges, such as reckless driving. Car accidents need to be taken seriously, and the law enforces that.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes can be difficult to investigate when there isn’t enough identifying evidence to track down the driver. That is why it’s so crucial for victims of hit-and-run accidents to have lawyers by their side to help them get justice.
Hit-and-Run Injuries
There are a variety of types of injuries that hit-and-run accidents can inflict. Still, some of the most common are bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, blunt force trauma, internal injuries, and lacerations. Many factors determine the severity of the injuries, such as whether the victim was in a vehicle or was a pedestrian.
Many hit-and-run victims also suffer from psychological trauma from the initial accident and from dealing with the complications that come with the at-fault driver leaving the scene. Being injured can be an isolating experience, and many car accident victims struggle to get back to their regular lives. The financial impact of the accident can also take a toll on the victim’s mental health.
Outcomes
1. The Hit-and-Run Driver is Never Caught
Often, hit-and-run perpetrators are never held accountable for what they did. Hit-and-runs can be difficult to investigate if there isn’t enough evidence, and it may be next to impossible to track down the driver. If this happens, it’s still possible to get compensation for your damages.
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, then you can file a claim and potentially receive financial compensation from that coverage. Collision coverage can also help pay for vehicle damage. A personal injury lawyer can help identify available insurance coverage and pursue compensation based on the facts of your claim.
2. Hit-and-Run Driver is Caught
If the police find the hit-and-run driver, arrest them, and charge them, then you can file a claim on the driver’s insurance. If they go to trial, you can still file a personal injury claim. Insurance claims and criminal charges are handled separately. You may still need a car accident injury attorney to stand up for you, prove your case, and pursue compensation. Sometimes, a hit-and-run driver may not have insurance coverage, which could be why they fled the scene. In those cases, your uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.
Regardless of the situation, insurance companies may dispute fault, damages, coverage, or the value of a hit-and-run claim. Even in serious hit-and-run accident cases, an initial settlement offer may not account for the full impact of a victim’s injuries and losses. Before accepting an offer, consider having a personal injury attorney review your claim and protect your rights.
At BGN Attorneys, our experts stand beside accident victims to get them the compensation they deserve. We gather evidence, advocate for our clients, and pursue justice. Schedule an initial case consultation with BGN Attorneys so that we can get started on your claim. Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can feel hopeless, but some professionals can help you through this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being the victim of a hit-and-run?
Immediately after the accident, move out of the road to a safe location and call emergency services. Make sure that the scene is properly documented, a police report is filed, and that you receive medical attention.
What types of evidence can be used in hit-and-run claims?
Lawyers can prove fault in hit-and-run cases through witness statements, video footage and photos, accident scene analysis, police reports, medical documentation, and more. Evidence is important for proving the extent of your damages.
What types of damages can I recover as the victim of a hit-and-run accident?
A personal injury lawyer can help recover compensation for numerous types of damages, such as psychological harm, pain and suffering, medical expenses, ongoing medical treatment, travel costs, property damage, and wrongful death harm. A personal injury lawyer will fight to recover as many damages as possible for you and your family.
What's the statute of limitations for hit-and-runs in Washington?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. That’s why it’s important to start the process so that you don’t run out of time. Different deadlines or exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of a particular case.
Should I talk to the hit-and-run driver's insurance company?
Insurance companies may ask for statements about the accident, your injuries, and your medical treatment. Before giving a detailed recorded statement or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with a lawyer who can help protect your rights.
Can uninsured motorist coverage apply if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes, depending on the insurance policy. Washington uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide protection involving hit-and-run vehicles, although coverage depends on the policy, applicable exclusions, and whether the coverage was rejected. An attorney can review the policy and determine what coverage may be available after a Pasco hit-and-run accident.
What if another driver caused my crash but never actually hit my vehicle?
Washington law recognizes certain accidents involving a “phantom vehicle,” where another vehicle causes a crash without physically contacting the victim or the victim’s vehicle. These claims have additional requirements. Among other things, the accident generally must be supported by evidence beyond the claimant’s own testimony and reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 72 hours.
What if I was a pedestrian injured by a hit-and-run driver in Pasco?
Can my own insurance company dispute my hit-and-run claim?
Yes. Even when you are making a claim under your own policy, the insurance company may investigate coverage, how the accident occurred, the cause of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the value of your damages. Having your own insurance policy does not necessarily mean every part of a hit-and-run claim will automatically be accepted.
How can a Pasco hit-and-run accident lawyer help if the driver is never found?
A Pasco hit-and-run accident lawyer can investigate available evidence, review police reports, look for witnesses or video footage, evaluate uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, document damages, and communicate with insurance companies. BGN Attorneys serves injury victims from its Pasco office and represents clients throughout Franklin County and the Tri-Cities.
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