In Washington state, it is illegal to cause a traffic accident and then leave the scene without offering help. Doing so is called a hit and run. If you were the victim in a hit and run accident, a lawyer from our firm can help.
At Van Law Firm, we are proud to help people throughout the state of Washington with their personal injury cases. Our Washington car accident lawyer can make sure you understand all of your options and take advantage of your right to seek fair compensation. Call us today for a free case consultation.
What Does a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Washington Do?
Our job is to provide legal support and representation to all of our clients. To that end, our Washington personal injury lawyer can handle a wide variety of tasks related to your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, including:
- Investigating the hit and run: The more we can learn about the accident from police reports, video footage, and witness testimony, the easier it may be to come up with an effective legal strategy suited to your personal needs.
- Quantifying your injuries: You should know the exact value of all your losses before approaching the insurer for a fair settlement. We can run the numbers to make sure you ask for an appropriate amount.
- Determining how you can recover compensation: If we can find the hit and run driver, you can sue them. If not, we may be able to file a personal injury claim with your own insurer.
- Protecting your rights: Insurance companies do not always act in the best interests of accident survivors. Our legal team can recognize the signs of a bad-faith insurer and make sure they treat you fairly.
- Answer your questions: Van Law Firm does not want you to ever feel cut off, confused, or in the dark about your case. Feel free to reach out any time you want additional guidance, assistance, or updates.
Hit and Run Settlements Versus Jury Awards
Should you try to negotiate with the insurance company for a pretrial settlement, or will you have to take your case to court? Different cases require different courses of action. Van Law Firm’s Washington hit and run accident lawyer can do any or all of the following:
- Negotiate hard with the insurer to persuade them to pay what you are asking for
- Remind the insurer that you are willing to go to court, which may convince them to back down and offer a just settlement
- Represent you at trial by presenting the strongest possible case before the judge and jury
Seeking Hit and Run Damages in Accordance With Washington Law
Per RCW § 4.16.080, the state of Washington gives you just three years to file a lawsuit based on a personal injury or a wrongful death. While three years might seem like plenty of time, you may find yourself distracted by:
- Pain caused by your injuries
- Receiving medical care
- Trying to make arrangements at work so that you can take time off, work light duty, or keep the benefits your family relies on
- Figuring out how to pay for the things you and your family need
For these reasons, it is best not to wait too long before you get legal help for your hit and run. Van Law Firm is ready to hear about your case starting today.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Washington, call (360) 200-0000
What Damages Can You Claim After a Washington Hit and Run?
Washington State allows people like you to sue for compensation based on injuries of all kinds, including:
- Pain and suffering if the crash caused physically and/or emotionally distressing symptoms
- Loss of consortium if your injuries have caused a breakdown in your relationship with close relatives
- Reduced quality of life if you have lost the ability to maintain the lifestyle you previously enjoyed, either temporarily or permanently
- Disability if your injuries led to the loss of use of any part of your body
- Medical expenses if you need professional help with managing symptoms or dealing with injuries
- Property damage if your vehicle or other valuable piece of property sustained damage in the auto accident
- Lost income and benefits if you had to stay home or cut back on working hours, which in turn cut into the money your family uses to survive
- Lost earning capacity if you will never be able to go back to work and/or earn as much money as you did previously
Our hit and run accident attorney in Washington can tell you which of these categories you can seek compensation under.
Washington Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (360) 200-0000
Finding Hit and Run Drivers in Washington
Once a hit and run driver leaves the scene, identifying them can be extremely difficult. If they cannot be found, and if you have an uninsured car insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurer for the money you need.
Before determining how to seek damages in your case, Van Law Firm will launch a meticulous investigation of your crash and do what we can to find the at-fault driver. This may include:
- Requesting a copy of the police report and reviewing it carefully for any clues as to the driver’s identity or potential sources of evidence
- Looking over video footage or photos of the accident scene that may show the driver or their car
- Interviewing witnesses who saw all or part of the collision and who may know something about the driver’s identity or appearance
- Interviewing you regarding what you remember about how the crash happened and what actions the driver did or did not take afterward
Washington Hit and Runs Can Be Complex—But We Can Help
Van Law Firm takes on cases regardless of how complicated they are. You can rely on our legal team to direct you down the right path toward recovering compensation, either through your own insurer or the liable party.
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Taking Legal Action After a Hit and Run in Washington
To learn more about the merits of your case, call Van Law Firm today. A member of our team will evaluate your case at no obligation or cost to you. Then, if you hire our Washington hit and run accident lawyer, we will do everything we can to secure the money, justice, and peace of mind your family deserves.
No obligation consultations are always free.
Let Us Help You! Call Now: (360) 200-0000