Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Seattle
Providing Legal Representation to Injured Victims in the Seattle Area
Have you been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in the state of Washington? All car accidents can be traumatizing and potentially result in serious injuries. But hit-and-run accidents are additionally upsetting, as the at-fault driver flees the scene of the crash, refusing to take responsibility and potentially leaving you on your own with the medical bills.
A hit-and-run case is treated very seriously by law enforcement, and they will attempt to identify the at-fault driver to bring them to justice. But until then, you may still have property damage and a personal injury claim to worry about, and an unsympathetic insurance company that claims their hands are tied when it comes to helping you with the costs.
To improve your chances of obtaining the financial recovery that you need to pay for your medical expenses, it is wise to hire the legal services of an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney.
At Khan Injury Law, our hit-and-run accident lawyers have years of experience providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation to accident victims in need. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we are unable to recover financial compensation for your hit-and-run case, you do not have to pay legal fees.
To discuss your claim in more detail with a Seattle-based hit-and-run accident lawyer, please contact our law offices to schedule your zero-risk, free case review.
What Should You Do if You Were Injured in a Hit and Run Accident?
In the unfortunate event that you are the victim of a hit-and-run car accident, there are a few steps you should take immediately after the incident, which may help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and see to it that you receive the compensation owed to you.
The very first thing you should do is determine how badly you are injured. If you are well and able, try to check on the injuries of any passengers in your vehicle. Then, call 911 in order to bring paramedics and law enforcement to your location so that you can file a report.
While waiting for police cars and ambulances to arrive, try to take the time to document what you remember about the at-fault driver and the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident. These details may change with time or under the influence of others, so it is important that you try to document what you remember about the responsible driver and the vehicle involved in the accident.
If there are any witnesses to the hit-and-run accident, try speaking to them for their account of what happened and what they can remember about the driver and their car.
Document as much as you can with pictures and video.
When law enforcement arrives, give them your account of the story as well as the witness testimonies.
After you have been checked over for any personal injury, contact a hit-and-run accident attorney.
What is the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Hit and Run Accidents?
Hit-and-run accidents are a crime in Washington so the case can end up in both criminal and civil courts. If the at-fault parties are caught and brought to justice, the state may seek to press charges. But those who
A hit-and-run car accident in which the at-fault driver collides with a parked or unattended vehicle is treated as a misdemeanor and is punishable with fines up to $1,000 and a 90-day jail sentence.
If the vehicle that the at-fault party strikes has passengers, the hit-and-run car accident is treated as a gross misdemeanor and is punishable with fines up to $5,000 and 364 days in jail.
If the hit-and-run accident results in an injury, it is classified as a Class C felony, punishable with up to five years in prison and fines in the range of $10,000.
If the at-fault driver is caught, the injured person may seek to recover financial compensation from either the driver themselves or the driver’s insurance company. These settlements can help pay for any current or future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages.
Can You Recover Compensation from Your Insurance Company if the Hit and Run Driver is Never Identified?
If the at-fault driver is never found, the injured person’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM) should kick in via their auto insurance policy.
If, however, you did not have UM, then you may be unable to collect any fair compensation from your car insurance provider. Check your auto insurance policy to make sure you’re covered.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Hit and Run Car Accident Attorneys
For a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Washington, please contact our office without further delay.
You may call our Seattle office at (206) 203-3978.