What To Do In a Hit and Run Accident in Washington

If you’ve just been in a hit-and-run, your immediate priorities are to pull over safely, call 911, document the fleeing vehicle, and seek medical care. Were you involved in a hit-and-run driver offense in Washington as a passenger or pedestrian? This guide breaks down your legal reporting obligations under RCW 46.52.020. Learn exactly how to protect your auto insurance claim when the at-fault person is a hit-and-run driver who leaves the scene without providing information. Know how to secure the compensation you need to recover. 

Immediate Steps: What to Do

1. Prioritize Safety and Stay Put

Immediate

Pull over to a safe location out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Do not chase the fleeing driver. Pursuing a fleeing vehicle is incredibly dangerous, can lead to another car crash, and prevents you from gathering crucial evidence at the scene.

2. Call Law Enforcement and File a Report

Within minutes

Contact local law enforcement immediately to request police officers at the scene. An official police report is required by most insurance policies for a hit-and-run claim and provides an authoritative timeline of the event. If an officer cannot come to the scene, you must file a citizen report within four days if the injury or property damage exceeds $1,000.

3. Document the Scene and Fleeing Vehicle Details

At the scene

Write down every detail you remember about the fleeing driver and their car as soon as possible. Note the license plate number (even a partial string helps), car make, model, color, and any unique identifiers. Take photos and videos of the hit-and-run damage to your car, the overall layout of the street, and look to see if nearby businesses have security cameras or surveillance footage that may have captured the collision.

4. Gather Witness Statements

At the scene

Speak to any drivers, pedestrians, or bystanders who witnessed the incident. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and what they saw. Independent witness testimony can prevent the insurance company from arguing about how the accident occurred.

5. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Within 24 hours

Even if you feel fine or have what seem like minor injuries, go to an urgent care or emergency room for a formal medical evaluation. Injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding can take hours or days to manifest. Documenting your medical care immediately links your injuries directly to the crash, which is vital for a future personal injury claim.

How Does Insurance Handle a Hit-and-Run?

A common question hit-and-run victims ask is: Will my insurance fix my car if the other driver flees? What happens after a hit and run depends heavily on the specific coverages included in your auto insurance policy. Because Washington is an at-fault state, you would normally file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If that driver cannot be identified, you must look to your own insurance provider for benefits.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Your primary avenue for seeking compensation for bodily injury after a hit-and-run accident is uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage). In Washington, insurance companies are required to offer this coverage, and it applies directly to hit-and-run cases where the fleeing driver remains unidentified. UM coverage helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical care up to your policy limits.

Collision and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

• Collision Coverage: This policy feature will pay for your vehicle repairs or cover a total loss situation after hit-and-run damage, though you will likely have to pay your standard deductible.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / Medical Payments: PIP provides immediate medical payments coverage regardless of who caused the accident, helping you stay on top of medical bills while your larger personal injury claim is pending.

When you file a claim, be cautious about what you communicate to the claims adjuster. Avoid making definitive statements about your injuries or fault until you have spoken to a legal professional. You can read more about Washington’s formal guidelines on reporting collision damage and check the criminal penalties for a hit and run involving an occupied vehicle through the Washington Department of Licensing.

When to Contact a Washington Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Figuring out what to do with a hit-and-run claim can be incredibly confusing when an insurance company delays or devalues your coverage. An experienced car accident attorney can step in to negotiate your medical bills, manage the complex claims process, and liaise with the Washington State Patrol to see if new leads develop regarding the identity of the fleeing driver. If law enforcement identifies the person responsible, your legal team can pivot to launch an aggressive personal injury lawsuit directly against them to recover full compensation for lost income and suffering.

If you or a loved one is facing the stressful aftermath of a collision, the dedicated legal team at Mulvihill Law is here to guide you through your legal options. Our experienced hit and run accident lawyers in Lynnwood and car accident lawyers in Mountlake Terrace have defended the rights of injured Washington drivers for decades. You can contact our team today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.