Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Seattle

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Seattle can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about your legal options, especially when the at-fault driver has fled the scene. A skilled hit-and-run accident lawyer in Seattle from our firm can help you pursue all available avenues for compensation. 

At Phillips Law Firm, we don‘t get paid unless you get paid, and we’re available 24/7 to provide the aggressive advocacy and support you need during this difficult time. Hit and run accidents create legal challenges for seeking compensation, but it is possible to get some compensation in many cases.

Our Seattle car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases and understand the time-sensitive nature of evidence collection and witness interviews. Here’s how our firm can help you after your accident.

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Seattle

Hit and run accidents occur when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification, insurance information, or assistance to injured parties as required by Washington State law.

The reasons drivers flee accident scenes vary, but commonly include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, operating vehicles without valid licenses or insurance, fear of criminal charges for other violations, or panic in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

Regardless of the motivation, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense in Washington State. When these incidents result in serious injuries, working with an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer becomes crucial for understanding all available legal options.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

Taking immediate action after a hit-and-run accident can significantly improve your chances of identifying the fleeing driver and preserving important evidence for your compensation claim. By taking these steps, you can help our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Seattle build your case.

Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request both police and medical assistance. Even if you don’t initially feel seriously injured, adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of traumatic injuries. Having medical documentation from the scene creates important evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

Document everything you can remember about the incident while the details are still fresh in your memory. Write down the time, location, weather conditions, and any details about the fleeing vehicle, including make, model, color, license plate information, and direction of travel. 

Preserving Additional Evidence

Preserve all physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris from the other vehicle, and any personal property that was damaged. Take photographs from multiple angles showing your vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any relevant road conditions or traffic control devices.

Check for surveillance cameras in the area that may have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle. Many businesses, traffic intersections, and residential areas have security cameras that could provide valuable evidence.

Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. Get their contact information and ask them to stay until police arrive if possible. Witness statements can provide crucial details about the accident and help identify the responsible driver.

Seattle Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 708-6000

Identifying Hit and Run Drivers in Seattle

While police will conduct their own investigation, having your own legal team working on the case can significantly improve the chances of identifying the responsible party. Surveillance footage represents one of the most valuable tools for identifying hit-and-run drivers. 

Physical evidence left at the scene can provide important clues about the fleeing driver. Paint transfer, broken parts, headlight glass, and other debris can help identify the make, model, and year of the vehicle involved. This information helps narrow the search and provides leads for investigation.

Witness statements and descriptions help piece together the sequence of events and provide details about the fleeing vehicle and driver. Even partial license plate numbers or general vehicle descriptions can be valuable when combined with other evidence from the investigation.

Call or text (800) 708-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Compensation Options When Drivers Cannot Be Found

Even when hit-and-run drivers cannot be identified or located, accident victims may still have options for recovering compensation through various insurance coverage types and alternative sources of financial recovery.

Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection when you’re injured by a driver who cannot be identified or located. This coverage is mandatory in Washington State and applies to hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver’s identity remains unknown. You may also have additional coverage options depending on your level of insurance.

If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified, you may be able to pursue a claim against their insurance coverage or personal assets. However, many hit-and-run drivers are uninsured or have insufficient coverage, making your own insurance protections particularly important.

Additional compensation sources may include:

• Workers’ compensation if the accident occurred during work activities
• Property insurance for vehicle damage and personal belongings
• Crime victim compensation programs for violent crimes
• Civil lawsuits against property owners if dangerous conditions contributed
• Claims against employers if the fleeing driver was working at the time
• Government liability if road defects contributed to the accident

For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Seattle, call
(800) 708-6000

Hire a Seattle Hit and Run Accident Attorney at Phillips Law Firm

Phillips Law Firm has successfully represented numerous hit-and-run accident victims throughout the Seattle area, helping them recover millions of dollars in compensation even in challenging cases where drivers initially could not be identified. 

Our team brings 85+ years of combined legal experience to every case, along with a network of investigators and specialists who help track down fleeing drivers. Our firm’s reputation for thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy has helped us achieve successful outcomes in even the most difficult hit-and-run cases.

We handle all hit-and-run accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. This arrangement removes financial barriers to quality legal representation and allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Contact Our Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact Phillips Law Firm immediately if you‘ve been injured in a hit–and–run accident in Seattle. Time is critical in these cases, and early investigation significantly improves the chances of identifying the responsible driver and preserving important evidence. 

We’re available 24/7 to begin working on your case and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to schedule an appointment with our Seattle hit and run accident lawyers.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000