Every year in Washington, hundreds of people are injured or killed in hit and run crashes, and the number continues to rise. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly one hit and run occurs every 43 seconds in the United States. But when it happens to you or someone you love in Federal Way, it’s not a statistic. It’s your life, your health, and your future hanging in the balance.
If you’re recovering from a hit and run accident in Federal Way, you may feel frustrated and powerless. The driver fled. The bills are piling up. The insurance company may already be looking for ways to limit your compensation. You didn’t ask for any of this. A Federal Way hit and run accident lawyer with Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you regain control.
At Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, Chong H. Ye leads with compassion and fights for accountability. You focus on healing. We focus on the rest.
Key Takeaways for Federal Way Hit and Run Accident Cases
- A hit and run accident can leave victims with medical bills, lost income, and no immediate source of accountability.
- Washington law allows injury victims to pursue compensation even when the at-fault driver is unknown.
- Legal claims may involve complex steps, especially when filing an uninsured motorist claim.
- The longer you wait, the harder it may become to recover important evidence or witnesses.
- A qualified hit and run accident attorney in Federal Way can help pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers After a Hit and Run Accident?
Victims of hit and run crashes need sound legal advice. They also need an attorney who’s reliable, compassionate, and ready to act. Attorney Chong H. Ye provides personalized support to every client, built on a foundation of experience and empathy. Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers provide:
Client-focused, compassionate legal guidance
Chong Ye was inspired to become a lawyer after his own parents were mistreated following a crash. Today, he ensures every client feels heard, respected, and protected from the moment they call.
Millions recovered for injured clients
From traumatic brain injuries to wrongful death claims, Chong has helped clients recover millions in settlements and verdicts. He fights for maximum compensation every time.
We speak your language
Legal systems are hard enough — especially if English isn’t your first language. We offer services in English, Korean, and Spanish to help you feel confident and informed at every stage.
No upfront costs — ever
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. If we don’t recover compensation, you don’t pay legal fees.
Rooted in the Federal Way community
Our office is located in the heart of Federal Way, close to Pacific Highway South and near St. Francis Hospital. We’ve proudly served clients from Redondo, Enchanted Parkway, and Twin Lakes to Dash Point.
Hear From Our Clients
Can You Still File a Claim If the Driver Fled the Scene?
Yes. Washington law does not prevent you from filing a claim simply because the at-fault driver fled the scene. If law enforcement is able to identify the driver, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly. But if the driver is never found, you still have options, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Hit and run collisions often require insurance claims through your own policy, which can feel unfair. However, Washington requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks coverage.
Your own insurance company may not prioritize your interests, but our Federal Way hit and run attorneys can protect your rights and make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your damages.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Federal Way
Once you’ve received medical attention, there are several important steps to protect your case and preserve your right to compensation. These actions can significantly strengthen your legal claim.
- Hire a hit and run lawyer as soon as possible
The sooner you bring in a legal advocate, the faster you can secure critical evidence, file your claim correctly, and avoid costly mistakes. - Continue all prescribed medical treatment
Gaps in care can give insurers an opportunity to undervalue your injuries. Always follow through on doctor visits, rehab, or specialist referrals. - Document how the injury affects your life
Keep a written or video journal of your pain levels, daily limitations, and emotional distress to show how the crash disrupted your routines. - Preserve all physical and digital evidence
Save medical bills, damage reports, witness contacts, and photos from the scene. These can help paint a clear picture of the harm you suffered. - Avoid social media discussions about the crash
Insurance adjusters often monitor public posts. Even innocent comments can be used to discredit your claim later.
These early actions can lay the foundation for a strong legal strategy. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork and investigations, but your participation and consistency matter.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit and Run Crash?
A hit and run collision can leave you with both visible and invisible damages. In Washington, you may seek compensation for a wide range of financial and personal losses tied to the incident.
Medical expenses
Covers hospital visits, ambulance transport, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term treatment needs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Includes income lost during recovery and future losses if the injury impacts your ability to return to work
Property damage
Reimburses you for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged personal items
Pain and suffering
Addresses physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and the overall loss of enjoyment in daily life
Out-of-pocket costs
Covers transportation to medical appointments, home care, medical devices, or other costs linked to your recovery
The value of your claim will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the available insurance coverage. Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can identify and document all the damages you may be eligible to claim.
Understanding Washington Hit and Run Laws
In Washington, RCW 46.52.020 makes it illegal to leave the scene of a crash involving injury or death. Failing to stop and render aid is a felony, and law enforcement will investigate these incidents seriously.
When you file a personal injury claim after a car accident, you're pursuing a civil case, separate from any criminal charges the driver might face if caught. Even if the driver is never caught or charged, you may still pursue a civil lawsuit through your insurance or other legal channels.
Additionally, Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. However, in most hit-and-run cases, the fault lies entirely with the fleeing driver.
If you’re unsure how these laws affect your case, speak to a Federal Way hit and run accident attorney with Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers who can walk you through your options and find the best path to securing compensation.
Time Limits for Filing a Hit and Run Injury Claim in Washington
Even if the driver fled the scene, you still have a limited window to take legal action. In Washington, most hit and run injury claims must be filed within three years of the crash under RCW 4.16.080, and delays could affect your ability to recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options.
That may sound like plenty of time, but waiting can weaken your case. Surveillance footage may be erased. Witnesses may forget what they saw. And your own recovery records may not be fully documented. Starting early protects your right to file a claim, especially if your case involves uninsured motorist coverage or the hit and run driver is eventually found.
Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can file your claim on time, preserve critical evidence, and manage every deadline so you can focus on healing.
How Long Does a Hit and Run Case Take to Resolve?
Hit and run cases can be more unpredictable than other types of personal injury claims. Some resolve quickly; others take time, depending on what happens in the early weeks. Some of the factors that influence your case’s timeline include:
- Whether the at-fault driver has been identified
- The severity of your injuries and the length of your medical treatment
- The cooperation of insurance companies and third parties
- Whether your claim goes to trial or settles out of court
Many cases resolve within a few months, especially if liability is clear and the insurance coverage is straightforward. But more complex cases, like those involving catastrophic injuries or disputed damages, may take longer. If your case requires litigation, your lawyer will prepare thoroughly and keep you updated along every step.
How Do You Prove Fault in a Hit and Run Accident?
Proving liability in a hit and run case requires careful investigation. Even when the driver flees the scene, your legal team can gather key evidence to show what happened and who should be held responsible.
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can help confirm the vehicle’s make, model, direction of travel, or other identifying details
- Surveillance or dashcam footage: Nearby businesses or traffic cameras may capture the collision or the fleeing vehicle’s license plate
- Vehicle debris and damage analysis: Skid marks, broken lights, or paint transfers can reveal clues about the other car and the force of impact
- Police reports and traffic citations: Officers may document valuable findings, including accident diagrams, suspected causes, and contact attempts
- Your medical records: Injury documentation helps support your version of events and connect your harm to the crash
If the driver is eventually located, their insurance may come into play. If not, your uninsured motorist coverage may cover the losses. Either way, your lawyer will help build a strong case from every available angle.
Past Case Results
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
One of the most emotionally difficult parts of a hit and run is the feeling of injustice, especially when the person responsible disappears. But even if the driver is never identified, you may still pursue compensation through your own insurance policy.
In Washington, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your policy should cover your injury claim. This coverage includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Washington Law requires that insurers treat you fairly, but claims often take negotiation. A Federal Way hit and run injury lawyer with Ye Law can file the paperwork, communicate with adjusters, and negotiate for a settlement that reflects the full scope of your injuries.
Local Insight: Federal Way Hit and Run Risk Zones
Hit and run crashes can happen anywhere, but certain parts of Federal Way have higher rates of serious collisions. These include:
- Pacific Highway South (State Route 99): A busy corridor with frequent pedestrian crossings and high-speed traffic
- Highway 18 Interchange: A known congestion zone where sudden stops and merging issues increase crash risks
- Downtown Federal Way Transit Center: Foot traffic and rideshare activity create higher pedestrian exposure
- Enchanted Parkway and 336th Street intersection: Frequently cited in traffic reports for collisions
Being familiar with local crash zones and traffic patterns helps your lawyer better understand the scene, the lighting, signage, and potential safety violations that may have contributed to the incident.
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FAQs About Federal Way Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
What if I didn’t get the license plate of the car that hit me?
You can still file a claim. Your lawyer may help recover nearby surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, or work with investigators to identify the vehicle. If the driver remains unknown, your UM coverage may apply.
Do I need to report a hit and run to the police in Washington?
Yes. You must report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage to law enforcement under Washington law. This also helps document your case for future claims.
What happens if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Washington uses a pure comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, but the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Protect yourself and the value of your claim by working with an experienced car accident lawyer.
How long do I have to file a hit and run claim in Washington?
Most hit and run injury claims in Washington must be filed within three years from the date of the crash. This time limit is set by RCW 4.16.080, which applies to personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover compensation, even if the driver is identified later. It’s always best to speak with a lawyer early so they can preserve your legal options and meet all required deadlines.
Can I sue the hit and run driver if they are caught?
Yes, but whether it’s the best legal strategy depends on the circumstances. If the driver has insurance or collectible assets, you may file a civil claim for damages. But if they lack both, your recovery may come instead from your uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can evaluate your options and help you pursue the most effective path forward.
What should I bring to my consultation with a lawyer?
Bring any documents and evidence you possess, including medical records, insurance details, photos, and any communication with adjusters. Don’t worry if you don’t have any of these. You can still discuss your case, and your lawyer can obtain the needed documents.
Our Car Accident Resources
Next Steps: Talk to a Federal Way Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
You’ve been through enough. A hit and run crash takes more than a physical toll. It also leaves you with unanswered questions, unexpected expenses, and a deep sense of violation. Whether the driver is identified or not, you have rights under Washington law. You don’t have to wait for justice to begin.
Chong H. Ye and his team at Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers are ready to help you move forward. With offices in Federal Way, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Lakewood, we represent injured clients across King and Pierce Counties. Our team will handle the calls, the paperwork, and the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
You pay nothing for our services unless we win your case, and consultations are always free. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, don’t let time or doubt hold you back. Let’s talk about your options and your future.
Call us at (253) 946-0577 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
The Ye Law Firm – Federal Way Office
Address:
31919 1st Ave S Suite 104
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone:
(253) 642-8869
Office Hours:
Available 24/7 for free consultations