What if you were injured by a hit-and-run driver?

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim to hold the driver liable for your damages. But what if you can’t find the driver who was responsible? What if you were injured by a hit-and-run driver?

Under Washington law, it is a crime for drivers to leave the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death without waiting to speak to police. Drivers who are involved in an accident causing injury or death, or even merely damage to an occupied vehicle, must provide their name, address, insurance company, insurance policy number, vehicle license number, and show their driver’s license to the occupants of the other car. They must also assist in getting the other person medical attention, if necessary and possible. Under some conditions, failure to fulfill these requirements can be prosecuted and punished as a felony.

What’s more, police are committed to tracking down hit-and-run drivers, especially in cases where someone was injured or killed.

Seattle police report to all traffic accidents where someone is injured or killed, and all hit-and-run accidents. They interview witnesses, get descriptions of the cars involved, and search for hit-and-run drivers. If the accident was bad enough to cause injury to someone else, the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle will likely be damaged, making it easier to track down.

People who have been injured in a car accident have a lot to deal with, without having to track down the hit-and-run driver who hurt them. It’s good to know that the police will take the issue seriously. Even if the other driver has not yet been located, the injured can seek out help from a personal injury attorney who can advise them on their options.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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