Every year, hit and run crashes leave thousands of Washington residents injured, shaken, and looking for answers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit and run crash occurs every minute across the U.S. That number includes Washington, where hit and runs are tragically common in cities like Seattle and Tacoma. The chaos of these accidents often comes with no name, no plate, and no one to hold accountable—at least not right away.
“What do I do after a hit and run accident?” is one of the first questions people ask when the driver speeds away and the shock starts to settle. In Washington State, the answer isn’t always obvious, but the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can directly affect your recovery, your finances, and your ability to hold someone accountable.
Key Takeaways for What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash
- Washington law treats hit and run accidents seriously, with criminal penalties for fleeing drivers, even in parking lots.
- You may still recover damages through your uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is never found.
- Filing a timely police report strengthens your case and helps law enforcement investigate the incident.
- Tracking documentation, like medical records and repair estimates, is essential for a successful claim.
- A personal injury lawyer can help protect your claim and deal with insurance adjusters who may downplay or deny your losses.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways for What to Do After a Hit and Run Crash
- Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Washington
- What Are Washington’s Hit and Run Laws?
- What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident
- How Insurance Works After a Hit and Run in Washington
- When the Hit and Run Driver Is Found
- Why Hit and Run Claims Often Face Pushback
- What If the Driver Who Hit Me Is Never Found?
- Important Deadlines After a Hit and Run Crash
- Can You Still Get Compensation If You Were Hit While Walking or Biking?
- Common Damages You May Recover After a Hit and Run
- FAQs About the Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
- Take Control of Your Case After a Hit and Run. Free Consultation.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Washington
Hit and run crashes are rarely about just one mistake. In Washington, they often happen when a driver is trying to avoid criminal or financial consequences. Whether it’s due to intoxication, driving without insurance, or a suspended license, some drivers choose to flee, making your recovery that much harder.
Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission shows over 15,000 hit and run collisions statewide in one recent year, accounting for about 14% of all car accidents statewide. Many of these crashes involve injuries or fatalities. Drunk driving plays a significant role in these numbers, especially during nights and weekends when impaired drivers are more likely to panic and flee.
If your accident was caused by a drunk or reckless driver who fled the scene, you’re not alone. Even if the driver is never found, you may still have legal options to recover compensation through your own insurance coverage.
What Are Washington’s Hit and Run Laws?
Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.52.020, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must stop immediately at or near the scene. Failing to do so is considered a crime.
Penalties include:
- Felony charges for leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash
- Gross misdemeanors for failing to stop after damaging another vehicle
- Additional fines, jail time, and license suspension
These criminal charges are separate from any civil claims you may file to recover financial losses from the crash.
If you didn’t get the license plate or driver description, law enforcement may still use traffic cameras, witness accounts, and crash data to investigate. That’s why reporting the accident quickly is vital, not only for your case but for public safety.
What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident
Taking clear, immediate steps after a hit and run can help protect your claim and support any future legal action. Even if you never find the driver, your own insurance company will require detailed evidence to move forward with your claim.
You’ve likely already seen a doctor, or you’re receiving ongoing treatment. Either way, your health comes first. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, there are other critical steps to take. These actions can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim, especially when the other driver is still unknown.
Here are some of the first things to focus on:
- Hire a lawyer: Insurance companies often undervalue hit and run claims. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help protect your interests, gather the right documentation, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of during the claims process.
- Keep all medical appointments and treatments: Gaps in treatment or missed visits may be used against you. Following your provider’s advice and attending every appointment helps show the ongoing impact of your injuries.
- Document your recovery: Take photos of your injuries, property damage, and the accident scene. Write or record a daily journal about your pain levels, mobility, sleep disruptions, and how the crash has affected your everyday life. Doing this provides tangible evidence of the pain and suffering that others may not see.
- Let your attorney handle the insurance company: You don’t have to speak with adjusters, answer recorded calls, or explain your injuries. Your legal team can handle those conversations, file the necessary documents, and push back if your claim is delayed or denied.
You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of a legal case while recovering from an injury. When the other driver disappears, your attorney becomes your main advocate, gathering evidence, protecting your rights, and pursuing compensation through every available channel.
How Insurance Works After a Hit and Run in Washington
Hit and run cases fall under a unique category in insurance claims. Because the other driver often isn’t identified, your ability to recover compensation depends largely on your own policy.
Common types of coverage that may apply include:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: This may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the fleeing driver can’t be found
- Personal injury protection (PIP): This no-fault coverage can help pay for initial medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash
- Collision coverage: This may help repair or replace your vehicle even if the other driver is unknown
Washington does not require UM/UIM coverage by law, but many policies include it unless the policyholder rejected it in writing. If you're unsure whether you have it, check your declaration page or ask your insurer directly.
Filing a hit and run claim under your UM coverage can be complicated. Insurance companies often challenge these claims due to the lack of an identified at-fault party. It helps to have strong documentation and legal guidance from the beginning.
When the Hit and Run Driver Is Found
In some cases, police may locate the at-fault driver. If that happens, you may pursue a bodily injury claim or a property damage claim directly against them or their insurance policy.
If the driver has no insurance or carries insufficient coverage, you may still turn to your underinsured motorist (UIM) policy to bridge the gap. These claims require evidence of the at-fault driver’s policy limits and proof of your additional losses.
Recovering from a hit and run isn’t just about paying bills. It’s about holding the right person accountable. Even when a driver is caught, don’t expect them or their insurer to offer a fair settlement. Most adjusters will try to reduce or deny liability, especially in serious injury cases.
Why Hit and Run Claims Often Face Pushback
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying claims. That’s especially true in hit and run cases, where there’s no other driver to hold responsible.
Here are some common reasons insurers give for denying or limiting claims:
- “We don’t have enough evidence the other driver existed.”
- “There’s no police report on file.”
- “Your injuries aren’t related to this crash.”
- “Your UM coverage doesn’t apply in this situation.”
These arguments often delay or reduce compensation. That’s why a strong, well-documented case is so important.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me Is Never Found?
When the other driver disappears, it can feel like there’s no clear path forward. But Washington law allows injured drivers to pursue compensation through their own insurance, even if the at-fault party is never identified.
To protect your right to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim:
- Make sure the hit and run is promptly reported to police (usually within 24 to 72 hours)
- Document all injuries, vehicle damage, and expenses
- Review your insurance policy to confirm whether UM and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage apply
If your insurer refuses to pay or delays the claim, you may have legal options. You can request arbitration or take further action with help from a legal advocate. Washington law supports recovery for innocent drivers who follow the proper steps, even if no one is ever arrested or charged.
Important Deadlines After a Hit and Run Crash
You only have a limited amount of time to act after a hit and run. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation regardless of how strong your case might be.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Insurance notification: Most policies require notice within a few days.
- Personal injury lawsuit: Washington’s statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident under RCW 4.16.080
- UM/UIM claims: Deadlines may vary based on your policy, but most follow a similar three-year timeline.
The sooner you take action, the better your chance of recovering financial compensation through insurance, negotiation, or legal action.
Can You Still Get Compensation If You Were Hit While Walking or Biking?
Yes. In Washington, pedestrians and bicyclists who are injured in hit and run accidents often have the same rights as drivers. These cases typically fall under UM claims or PIP coverage from your own auto insurance or that of a household family member.
If you were injured while walking or riding your bike, your recovery may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
These types of crashes often cause serious injuries. A hit and run driver who leaves a cyclist or pedestrian behind commits a felony under RCW 46.52.020, even if they later try to come forward.
Common Damages You May Recover After a Hit and Run
The types of compensation available will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the insurance policies involved.
You may pursue damages for:
- Medical treatment, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced ability to work
- Pain and emotional distress
- Property damage or vehicle replacement
A strong claim will include medical records, estimates, pay stubs, and other documentation to support each category. The more detail you can provide, the better your chances of recovering what you’ve lost.
FAQs About the Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
How long do I have to report a hit and run to the police in Washington?
You should report the accident as soon as possible. Many insurance policies require you to report it within 24–72 hours to preserve your right to file a claim.
What if I didn’t get the license plate or see the driver?
That’s okay. Many hit and run claims move forward without identifying the driver. You’ll need to rely on evidence like photos, witness statements, and scene details to show that another driver caused the crash.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hit and run claim?
Filing a claim for a hit and run may not raise your rates, especially if you were not at fault. However, every insurer handles rate changes differently. Check your policy or ask a representative.
What if the driver is found but has no insurance?
If the driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover through your uninsured motorist coverage. If they’re underinsured, your UIM coverage can help cover the gap.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim after a hit and run?
You’re not required to have a lawyer, but legal help can be beneficial. A personal injury lawyer can deal with the insurance company, protect your rights, and help document your losses properly.
Take Control of Your Case After a Hit and Run. Free Consultation.
When you’ve been injured by a driver who didn’t even stop to check if you were okay, the physical and emotional toll can feel like a second injury. Hit and run victims often face a frustrating claims process, unanswered questions, and financial pressure they never planned for. You don’t have to sort through it all on your own.
The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has helped individuals and families throughout Washington hold negligent drivers accountable, even when they flee the scene. Attorney Chong H. Ye knows how hard it can be when you’re in pain, missing work, and wondering if anyone will believe your side of the story. That’s why he takes the time to listen, gather facts, and fight for full and fair compensation.
From his offices in Federal Way, Bellevue, Lakewood, and Tacoma, Chong serves clients across the Seattle-Tacoma region with personalized care and compassion. His past experience as a minister drives his commitment to walk with clients through every stage of recovery, no matter how long it takes. His dedication shows in his record of case results and the satisfaction of his clients.
If you or a loved one were injured in a hit and run accident in Washington, call (253) 946-0577 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
