Washington law requires all motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the prevalence of hit-and-run collisions has increased in recent years. There are an average of 1,800 hit-and-run accidents reported each day nationwide.
Few things are more frustrating than being in a hit-and-run crash—especially if you were hurt in the collision. In this article, our Spokane auto accident lawyer highlights four steps that you should take if you were hurt in a hit-and-run crash in Eastern Washington.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Emergency medical needs always come first. If you were hurt in a hit-and-run collision in Spokane, it is crucial that you get the proper medical care. A severe injury requires immediate attention from a doctor. A non-emergency injury should still be checked out by a physician as soon as possible. You need to get the right medical care for your own health and well-being. Further, seeing a doctor is a required step of a personal injury.
- Document the Scene: Secure as Much Information as Possible
Ideally, you will be able to identify the hit-and-run driver. In some cases, drivers who panic and flee the scene of a crash will eventually come forward. Sadly, that does not always happen. An investigation is required. The more information you have about the hit-and-run accident, the better your chances for finding the responsible party. Record everything you can. Small details such as the vehicle’s make, the model, the color, a partial license plate, and location of the crash can all be useful.
- Report the Accident to the Police
All crashes that result in injuries in Washington State must be reported to the police. It is in your best interests to call the police after a serious crash—especially if the other driver fled the scene of the crash. Notify the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, or another agency right away.
- Consult With a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a serious injury in a hit-and-run crash, you should consult with an experienced Spokane auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to initiate a thorough investigation collision to ensure that you are in the best possible position to maximize your financial recovery. There are several options for recovering compensation after a hit-and-run crash, including:
- Locating and identifying the responsible driver;
- Bringing a legal claim against a negligent third party; and
- Going through your own insurance carrier, such as a UM/UIM policy.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Spokane, WA Auto Accident Attorney
At Albrecht Law PLLC, our Spokane auto accident lawyer is a zealous, aggressive advocate for injured victims and their loved ones. If you were hurt in a crash, we are more than ready to protect your rights. Give us a phone call now or contact us online for a free, no obligation case review. From our office in Spokane, we represent auto accident victims throughout the whole region.
