When a driver flees an accident scene

In most circumstances, the other driver involved in an accident in Washington will stay on the scene until emergency help arrives. However, there are times that you could encounter a driver who flees the scene after hitting your vehicle. Here are a few things that you can do if you’re faced with this situation.

Following

While it might be tempting to follow the other driver, this is one of the types of car accidents where you want to remain on the scene until a police officer or another emergency responder arrives. You can give a description of the vehicle involved as well as any other information that you remember so that an officer can begin searching for the other driver. If you leave an accident scene along with the other driver, then it could be difficult for an officer to determine who caused it instead of getting at least half of the facts from those who stayed at the scene.

Filing a claim

You want to file an accident claim as soon as possbile. This can decrease the possibility that the other drive who fled the scene files a claim against you and states that you were the one who caused the accident. Let your insurance company know the details that you remember and if anyone was injured in the accident so that you can be compensated for the damages. Official details that are on record can also make it a little easier for officers to have the pertinent information needed to find the other driver instead of going by eyewitness statements.

If you’ve been involved in an accident where the other driver flees, you want to make sure you cooperate as much as possbile for your own benefit and any passengers in your vehicle at the time.