Were you hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Seattle, Washington? You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer for a free consultation at (253) 264-0225 with a Seattle hit-and-run accident lawyer.
We have more than 30 years of experience and have recovered over $1 billion for accident victims. We’ve built a reputation for handling even the most challenging cases and securing results for our clients. Let us fight for the justice and full compensation you deserve.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Seattle, WA
When you choose Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, you get a dedicated legal team with decades of experience in delivering results for injured clients. Our Seattle car accident lawyers will take immediate steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
Here is what you can expect us to do for you:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident to identify every possible source of recovery
- Gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, surveillance video, and eyewitness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened
- File claims with your own insurer under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver is not located
- Engage in skilled negotiation with the insurance company to pursue the maximum possible settlement
- Take your case to trial if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer
Even if the driver who caused the crash is never identified, you still have options for recovering compensation. We’ll guide you through each step and handle all communication with insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance to anyone injured. These incidents can involve crashes between two or more vehicles, vehicles striking pedestrians or bicyclists, or damage to parked cars or other property.
Drivers often flee because they are uninsured, under the influence, unlicensed, or have other legal problems. Whatever the reason, leaving the scene is illegal in Washington.
Fleeing the Scene Is a Crime in Washington
Under Washington law, a driver involved in an accident must stop immediately, provide their contact and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance if someone is injured. Failing to do so is a criminal offense.
If the accident results in property damage only, leaving the scene can still result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and license suspension. If the crash causes injuries or a fatality, the offense can be charged as a felony with severe penalties, including prison time.
What if the Driver Is Never Found?
You can still pursue compensation even if the driver who caused your injuries is not identified. Most Washington drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage unless they have rejected it in writing. This coverage allows you to seek compensation from your own insurance company when the at-fault driver cannot be located or is uninsured.
Our legal team will review your policy, handle the claim process, and fight to make sure your insurer honors its obligations.
What Compensation Is Available After a Seattle Hit-and-Run Accident?
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses and the cost of future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
If the at-fault driver is eventually located and their conduct was especially reckless, punitive damages may also be awarded.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Washington?
In most Washington personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit applies whether you are suing an identified driver or filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer.
Missing the statute of limitations deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation through the courts. Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case.
Call Our Seattle Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
You do not have to face the consequences of a hit-and-run accident alone. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for clients and are ready to fight for you. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer today to schedule your free consultation with a Seattle hit-and-run accident attorney.