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When a driver flees the scene of a crash in Tacoma, it becomes a hit-and-run accident under Washington State law. For victims, it’s still possible to recover damages, even if the at-fault driver is never located, through insurance claims or civil legal action.
Whether the incident results in property damage, bodily injury, or death, fleeing is a criminal offense. Victims of hit-and-run collisions should understand both the criminal and civil implications of these cases. With guidance from our Tacoma car accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates, injured parties can explore compensation avenues, ensure their rights are protected, and take the necessary steps following the crash.
In Washington, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense defined under RCW 46.52.020. The severity of the charge depends on the nature of the accident:
Washington’s hit-and-run statutes apply to drivers of all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks. It doesn’t matter whether the driver believes they weren’t at fault; leaving the scene without exchanging information or assisting the injured is unlawful.
Victims of hit-and-run crashes often experience confusion and panic.
But taking proactive actions can help preserve your accident claim:
Report the crash to the Tacoma Police Department. A police report will serve as critical evidence, especially if the at-fault driver is not found.
Even if injuries appear minor, get checked by a physician. Documentation of all injuries from the beginning strengthens both insurance and legal claims.
If safe, take photographs or video of the damage, debris, tire marks, surroundings, and any injuries. Write down anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle (i.e., make, model, color, license plate digits, direction of travel).
Obtain names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. Witness testimony can help law enforcement track down the fleeing driver or support your case during settlement negotiations.
File a claim and notify your insurer of the hit-and-run. Most policies have time-sensitive notification requirements.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, not every hit-and-run driver is identified. Some use stolen vehicles, fake plates, or quickly dispose of their cars.
But victims still have proactive options:
Nearby businesses or residences may have captured video of the crash or the fleeing vehicle. Act quickly; many systems overwrite data in a matter of days.
Some intersections in Tacoma are equipped with traffic cameras. Police can request footage that may reveal identifying information.
Local police sometimes release BOLOs (Be On the Lookout) or request help from the public. Sharing the incident online, with accurate details, may prompt a witness to come forward.
A hit-and-run lawyer can take immediate steps to preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and determine liability. An attorney may also consult accident reconstruction specialists or file subpoenas to retrieve surveillance footage or phone records.
Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run is possible, even if the driver is never identified, through insurance coverage or a lawsuit.
Here’s how these claims are typically handled in Washington:
Washington law doesn’t require drivers to carry UM coverage, but many policies include it. UM can pay for medical bills, lost income, and other damages when the at-fault party is unknown or uninsured. This coverage can also extend to passengers.
If you have Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage, it may also help repair or replace your vehicle. Check your policy details and limits.
If your auto insurance includes PIP, it may help with medical expenses, regardless of fault. In Washington, PIP coverage must be offered, but policyholders can reject it in writing.
PIP typically covers:
If law enforcement identifies the at-fault driver, a claim may be filed against the driver personally or through their liability insurance, assuming they have coverage.
Not all injuries from hit-and-run accidents appear immediately. Some evolve over days or weeks. Whether you’re facing neck pain, back injuries, or emotional trauma, speak with injury lawyers before settling with your insurer or assuming your claim is too difficult to pursue.
An injury lawyer in Tacoma can evaluate whether:
If the hit-and-run involves a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, legal claims often become more nuanced due to increased injury severity and insurance disputes.
Hit-and-run accidents leave more than physical damage; they leave victims feeling abandoned and frustrated. But even when the at-fault driver disappears, legal avenues remain open.
With help from our accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates, victims can file insurance claims, investigate leads, and explore legal remedies. Whether it’s a side-street fender bender or a high-speed highway collision, you deserve accountability.
Call us at 253-393-9349 to speak with our lawyer in Tacoma, or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here to schedule your free consultation.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp