Handling a hit-and-run crash

Washington law requires that you stay at the scene of an accident that you are involved in. However, there is a chance that the other driver involved in a crash will fail to comply with this requirement. Fortunately, you may still be able to hold the other party responsible for their actions and obtain the compensation that you may be entitled to.

Steps to take immediately after a crash

Regardless of what the other driver does, you should stop, assess yourself for injuries and call for help in the moments after a wreck. After you have done this, you are encouraged to take pictures, seek out witnesses and attempt to obtain video footage of the accident. This may allow you to get a good description of the other car involved in the crash or otherwise bolster your assertion that someone else was responsible for it.

Talk to your insurance company

You’ll want to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If the other driver is located, your coverage provider may seek payment from that person’s insurance provider. It may also be possible to take legal action against that individual directly. In the event that the other driver isn’t located, you may still obtain a payout after a hit-and-run accident through the comprehensive portion of your policy.

If you are hurt in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation even if the driver who caused the accident isn’t found. Compensation may help to pay medical bills or help you make up for lost wages or future earnings. In the event that the other driver is found, you may be able to resolve a motor vehicle accident case through a settlement or by taking the case to court.