Hit and run accidents are some of the most heinous accidents that can happen to a person. These can result in serious injuries, or even death. Drivers who leave the scene of a car accident are committing a crime in Washington state, and when the driver at fault flees the scene, it can seem impossible to know what steps to take next. Contacting a personal injury attorney immediately following your accident will let us take over your case and help you navigate the confusing legal steps to be taken after a hit and run accident.
Olympia Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Hit and run accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries, as well as expensive vehicular damage. Hit and run accidents may occur when an automobile hits a person on the street, it may occur when a vehicle hits a parked vehicle, or it may occur while both vehicles are in motion and occupied. These accidents can range from minor damages to serious, even fatal injury, and it’s crucial to know your rights in an accident like this.
There are many reasons a driver may flee the scene of an accident:
- The driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The driver may be driving with a suspended license
- The driver may not have auto insurance
- The driver may want to avoid taking responsibility for the accident
No matter the reason behind a hit and run, one universal truth remains. Without the driver, it is impossible to contact the driver’s insurance company to file a claim. With the aid of law enforcement, it may be possible to track down the driver based on evidence at the crime scene. Evidence can include transferred paint chips, broken auto parts, and witness statements, all of which may help law enforcement pinpoint the driver behind the hit and run.
However, without knowing the identity or insurance company behind a hit and run, it may be necessary to file a claim with your own insurance under an uninsured motorist clause to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or law enforcement are unable to identify the perpetrator of the hit and run, you may still be eligible for compensation from your own insurance, and if the driver is identified, it is imperative that you have your own personal injury attorney working hard to make sure you are well taken care of.
If you are able to find the motorist, you may be able to seek a claim from their insurance for your injuries and damages. Additionally, if the driver is facing criminal charges, you may be able to bring the case forward in a civil suit, where you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Attorneys Serving Olympia & Western Washington
At Ron Meyers & Associates, we have worked thousands of hit and run accident cases and our team of experienced attorneys are dedicated to making sure that you and your loved ones are taken care of after a hit and run accident. We know how traumatizing a hit and run accident can be, and we are prepared to take your case and seek the maximum compensation available for your necessary repairs, medical bills, as well as for your own pain and suffering.
