Understanding Uninsured Motorist Claims in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Are Motorists Required to Stay at the Scene of a Car Accident in Washington State?

In Washington, every motorist must stay at the scene of a car crash, regardless of whether they were at fault for causing the accident. Fleeing the scene of an auto collision may constitute a hit-and-run criminal offense. Under state law, drivers must remain at the accident scene until they have provided the necessary parties with their name, address, insurance company, policy information, and motor vehicle license plate number.

If the car accident results in any bodily injury, all parties must stay at the crash scene and assist injured victims until professional help arrives. The failure to lend aid to an injured auto accident victim could result in harsh penalties, even if you were not to blame for causing the accident in the first place.

Auto accidents that result in death or significant property damage must also be reported to the nearest law enforcement or police station.

Suppose a car crash involves an unattended motor vehicle or property. In that case, the at-fault driver must leave a note with their name, address, and registration number at the scene and then report the collision to the police.

How Does Washington Define Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Hit-and-run car accidents are defined under several state statutes depending on the severity of the crashes and whether the collisions involve occupied or unoccupied motor vehicles.

An attended hit-and-run accident is a more serious offense. It happens when a motorist causes damage to another vehicle or piece of property or injures another individual and then leaves the scene without providing adequate assistance or supplying necessary information.

Unattended hit-and-run accidents occur when drivers damage unoccupied vehicles or other property and then leave the accident scene without exchanging contact information or reporting the incident to the necessary authorities. Even in unattended hit-and-run accidents that result in minor damages, drivers are still legally required to make efforts to inform property owners and report damages to the authorities.

The failure to remain at the motor vehicle accident scene, provide contact information, supply aid, or report the accident to the police could result in legal consequences. Depending on the circumstances, the criminal act could be considered a gross misdemeanor or a felony offense.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run incident in the state of Washington, there are specific steps you should take to defend your right to seek compensation and look after the safety and well-being of yourself and others.

Firstly, move to a safe location along the side of the road to ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers. Then, report the car crash to the police and provide as much detail as you can, including descriptions of the at-fault driver and their vehicle.

If you are physically able, collect evidence from the accident scene and contact witnesses who saw the crash unfold.

Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, seeking immediate medical attention from licensed professionals is still essential.

Following the hit-and-run crash, contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident as soon as you can. Your insurer can provide the recommended steps to file an uninsured motorist claim.

To ensure that you get the sort of financial recovery that you deserve and require, it is recommended that you seek professional legal representation from experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys. Please get in touch with our law firm to schedule a free case review with our legal team today.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage, and is it Required in Washington State?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects drivers if they are ever in an auto accident caused by another driver who does not have liability insurance or who otherwise flees the scene of the accident. Similar to uninsured motorist coverage is underinsured motorist coverage, which assists when the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance policy limits and cannot fully cover your financial losses.

With a successful uninsured motorist claim, it may be possible to recover compensation for past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, physical and mental pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. If you do not have the proper insurance coverage, you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket damages in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

Washington law doesn’t require motorists to carry either uninsured or underinsured coverage. Many insurance companies will offer these policy add-ons when you contact them. They must explain your options should you go without this level of protection.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance, you can file an insurance claim seeking financial recovery. This type of insurance coverage addresses situations where at-fault drivers are either uninsured or cannot be identified, which is often the case in hit-and-run incidents.

What Are the Other Legal Options for Hit-and-Run Victims?

In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, hit-and-run victims can seek damages by other means as well.

Provided that the hit-and-run driver can be identified, victims can file civil lawsuits against them seeking financial compensation. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for lost income, mental anguish, emotional suffering, medical costs, and other associated financial losses related to the incident.

Through the crime victims’ compensation program, Washington also offers victims compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and mental health counseling. This program may be useful to you if other insurance or financial resources fall through.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation and Discuss Your Hit-and-Run Case in More Detail

If you are in a car crash, you want to believe that your auto insurance will back you up and provide suitable compensation for your injuries and other losses. However, accident victims may be on the hook for these costly expenses in instances involving hit-and-run drivers or uninsured motorists. It is wise to plan for the unexpected by purchasing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. With uninsured coverage, you can rest assured that your insurance company will provide a settlement for any injuries or other losses associated with a hit-and-run collision.

Our law firm is committed to protecting motorists and pedestrians from the harsh consequences of motor vehicle accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run motorists. We can assist you throughout the claims process and help negotiate for better financial recovery from the insurance company. Our lawyers will also explore other options to help you get the monetary compensation you require to help pay off your medical bills and other expenses.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining our legal services, please contact our compassionate and highly skilled personal injury attorneys to discuss your case in more detail today. You can schedule your free initial consultation by calling (509) 396-5577.