A car accident is a traumatic experience, especially when it causes serious injuries. It’s even more shocking when the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene, leaving injury victims to face the devastating results of the accident alone as they wait for help.
The expenses of a serious car accident with injuries don’t disappear just because a careless or reckless driver flees the scene in a hit-and-run accident. Many victims of hit-and-run car accidents in Washington have questions about their rights and how they can recover compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering. In these challenging situations, a compassionate car accident lawyer in Marysville from Wells Trumbull can help you understand your legal options, handle communication with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Are the Common Causes of Washington Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Car accidents in Washington and elsewhere commonly result from negligent driver actions such as the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Improper passing
- Tailgating
- Improper merging
- Intoxicated driving
- Drowsy driving
Drivers may flee the scene in a hit-and-run for many reasons, including intoxication, lacking a valid driver’s license, lacking insurance, possession of illegal drugs or weapons, or having an existing warrant for their arrest.
What are the Options for Compensation After a Washington Hit-and-Run Accident?
Sometimes, hit-and-run drivers leave the scene of an accident due to fear and adrenaline, and later return to the scene or report the accident. More commonly, however, drivers flee because they have reasons for wishing to evade law enforcement. If a driver is later identified and has valid insurance, a hit-and-run accident victim may recover compensation for their damages by making a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or filing a lawsuit. If the driver isn’t apprehended or has no insurance, an experienced accident attorney explores all avenues for a hit-and-run accident victim’s compensation, including the following options:
- Making a claim against the injury victim’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if they chose this additional policy option
- Making a claim against their collision coverage, if available
- Filing a third-party claim against another entity that contributed to the accident, such as a negligent road maintenance agency
- Filing a claim against an injury victim’s umbrella insurance policy if they have this optional coverage
A skilled personal injury attorney in Arlington examines all the options and pursues compensation through all means available, depending on the unique circumstances of the case.
Damages add up quickly when an accident causes injuries as well as damage to a car. Common damages after serious car accidents include medical expenses, lost wages, future income loss, lowered future earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Some injury victims claim catastrophic injury damages, such as loss of limb or loss of one of the senses.
How Can a Washington Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Hit-and-run car accident claims in Washington can be challenging and frustrating. Instead of deciding you cannot pursue the compensation you deserve because the driver who caused your accident fled the scene, call Wells Trumbull to speak to a car accident attorney who can examine the details of your case and let you know what options are available to you.