A hit and run accident can cause horrific injuries and lost wages and leave you feeling uncertain about what the future might bring. Your Spokane hit and run accident lawyer will take aggressive action to locate the responsible driver and pursue the compensation you deserve.
With over 35,000 clients served, your Spokane car accident lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen has a proven record of helping accident victims move forward. Call now to discuss your legal options.
Why Hit and Run Drivers Flee the Scene
Drivers who leave the scene of an accident often do so out of fear. Whether they lack insurance, are intoxicated, or have prior legal issues, they make a reckless decision that puts injured victims at risk.
If you were hurt in a hit and run crash, understanding why the driver fled may help determine the best way to recover compensation.
Drivers Without Insurance or a Valid License
Many hit and run drivers flee because they lack valid insurance or a legal driver’s license. Without coverage, they may be unable to pay for the damages they caused, leading them to escape the scene instead of taking responsibility.
Some drivers also have suspended or revoked licenses, making them more likely to avoid law enforcement at all costs.
Washington law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to protect against hit and run accidents, though motorists have the authority to reject this coverage if they wish.
If the at-fault driver cannot be located, your own policy may help cover medical bills and vehicle damage. Your Spokane personal injury lawyer can review your policy and help you file a claim to recover compensation.
Hit and Runs Caused by Distracted or Impaired Drivers
Distracted and intoxicated drivers often panic after causing an accident, leading them to flee the scene. Drunk drivers fear DUI charges, while distracted drivers may worry that their negligence will result in legal consequences.
Under RCW § 46.52.020, it is illegal to leave an accident scene without stopping to provide information and render aid.
Fear of Arrest and Outstanding Warrants
Some hit and run drivers have active warrants for their arrest, which makes them more likely to flee. They may already be facing charges for unrelated crimes, have unpaid fines, or be on probation. Rather than risk an arrest at the accident scene, they choose to run, leaving victims without immediate help.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
Investigating a Hit and Run Accident in Spokane
Proving liability in a hit and run accident can be frustrating, especially if the driver is never identified. However, police and private investigators use several tools to identify the driver who fled the accident scene.
How Police and Private Investigators Track Down Hit and Run Drivers
Law enforcement relies on traffic cameras, license plate readers, and surveillance footage to identify vehicles involved in hit and run accidents. If the driver fled the scene, nearby cameras may have captured their license plate or a clear image of their vehicle.
Proving Fault in a Hit and Run Case Without an Identified Driver
Even if the driver is never found, accident reconstruction specialists can analyze the scene to determine how the crash happened. Skid marks, impact points, and vehicle debris help experts estimate the speed and direction of the vehicle involved. By recreating the accident, they can narrow down the type of car responsible for the crash.
Forensic evidence can also connect a driver to the accident. Paint transfer, tire marks, and broken vehicle parts can be matched to a specific make and model, giving law enforcement a lead.
If you suffered critical injuries in a hit and run crash, your Spokane catastrophic injury lawyer can work with experts to build a strong case using the available evidence.
The Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Accident Claims in Washington
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you have a limited time to file a claim. Under RCW § 4.16.080, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.
Spokane Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
How Insurance Covers Hit and Run Accidents in Washington
If the hit and run driver is not found, you may still be able to recover compensation. Washington law requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which helps victims pay for medical expenses and vehicle damage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may also provide immediate financial relief, regardless of who was at fault.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage and Hit and Run Claims
UM coverage helps protect you when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. This type of insurance allows you to file a claim with your own provider to cover a portion of your economic damages. Without UM coverage, you may be left paying for your losses out of pocket. If the hit and run driver is never found, UM coverage may help pay for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Lost wages during recovery
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
RCW § 48.22.030 requires all auto insurance policies to offer UM coverage. If your policy includes this protection, a hit and run accident lawyer in Spokane, WA, from Siegfried & Jensen, can help you file a claim and negotiate with your insurance provider.
Filing a Collision or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides immediate medical benefits after an accident, regardless of fault. If you were injured in a hit and run crash, PIP coverage can help pay for hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income.
Unlike UM coverage, PIP does not require proving fault before benefits are paid. Other types of insurance coverage that may apply in a hit and run accident include:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Rental car reimbursement
- Bodily injury liability (if another driver is found)
- Property damage liability (if another driver is found)
- Umbrella insurance policies
- Health insurance coverage
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Get Help From a Respected Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Spokane, WA Today
Recovering from a hit and run accident is difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Your hit and run accident attorney in Spokane, WA with Siegfried & Jensen is committed to protecting your rights and securing the financial recovery you need. Fill out our contact form or call today to take action.
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