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Every person who drives on the roadways and highways throughout Washington owes every other individual on the road a duty of care. By driving on public and state roads, they are agreeing to adhere to various state laws and operate their vehicles in a safe manner. However, accidents happen. People violate their duty of care by speeding or looking down at their phones and crashes ensue.
Often times when motor vehicle collisions occur, the negligent party admits their fault and their insurance will cover the injured person’s damages. Or the other driver at least sticks around and attempts to put the blame on the injured person. Though, on occasion, an at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident without sticking around. If you were involved in this kind of wreck, get in touch with a Kennewick hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible. A dedicated car crash attorney at our firm could help you find the responsible party and hold them liable for your losses.
How Is a Hit and Run Crash Defined Under Kennewick Law?
A hit and run occurs when a driver strikes another car, bicycle, motorcycle, or even a pedestrian with their vehicle, and then flees the scene of the accident. Essentially the negligent party “hits” into someone else and then proceeds to “run” away from the consequences of their actions.
Frequent Causes of Hit and Run Collisions
Most of the time the at-fault party leaves the scene of the crime because they do not want to get caught, though, some may do so out of initial shock or fear as to what they have done. Often times the negligent driver does not have insurance, so they know they are going to be in trouble or have to pay significant damages. In other situations, the reckless driver may have a warrant out for their arrest, they do not have a valid driver’s license, or they are an illegal immigrant. Whatever the reason may be, the responsible party does not want to be confronted by law enforcement, causing them to run away.
How Hit and Run Cases Differ from Other Types of Car Accident Claims
If a person is involved in a car crash and the other driver leaves the scene, they should immediately contact their local law enforcement. While in certain “smaller accidents” like parking lot fender benders people may not want to involve the police, it is essential in a hit and run case. This is because a hit and run is considered a criminal act. Having law enforcement involved could help an injured party’s case significantly, as police officers specialize in tracking people down and have the technology to do so.
The biggest challenge in hit and run cases is identifying the negligent driver. In other kinds of car accident claims when the identity of the at-fault driver is known, a skilled Kennewick attorney can bring a lawsuit against them or work with their insurance company to get an injured person the compensation they deserve. In hit and run cases, things are more complicated. If the police cannot find the person who caused the accident, an injured person is essentially stuck filing a claim through their own insurance and may be much more limited in the financial recovery they receive.
How Can an Attorney Help with Hit and Run Claims in Kennewick?
The Kennewick hit and run accident attorneys at our firm have experience with these kinds of complex cases and can use that experience to help an injured person find the person who caused them harm. For instance, they are familiar with obtaining video surveillance from nearby traffic cameras to uncover any details that may point to the identity of the negligent driver.
Secondly, although an injured person’s insurance company is supposed to act with their clients’ best interests in mind, insurance companies are usually more interested in their own profit. So, even if an injured party has to use their own insurance to seek the financial recovery they need, it is helpful to have a knowledgeable lawyer on their side to help them obtain the settlement amount they deserve.
Call a Kennewick Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one were driving down the road and were subsequently hit by a reckless driver who proceeded to quickly drive away, immediately call the police. Then, call us. A Kennewick hit and run accident lawyer at our firm could work with law enforcement to track down the person who hurt you and hold them accountable for your damages.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to locate the responsible party. Do not delay. Call now.
