Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Hit and Run Accident?

The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers > Blog > Car Accident > Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Hit and Run Accident?
A black car speeding away past a fallen traffic sign and damaged light pole, indicating the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision.

After a hit and run accident in Washington, you may wonder how to hold the at-fault driver accountable or secure compensation for your injuries and losses. The driver who caused the wreck has vanished.

What happens now?

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges by uncovering hidden avenues to pursue justice and compensation, even when the at-fault driver is unidentified. 

With extensive experience handling hit and run cases in Washington state, Chong Ye and the Ye Law Firm Inc., P.S., are ready to fight for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Our law firm represents clients throughout the Puget Sound area with offices in Federal Way, Bellevue, and Lakewood, making our legal team easily accessible.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver leaves the crash scene without stopping to exchange information or assist anyone injured. These accidents range from minor fender benders to severe collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or other vehicles. 

Under Washington law, it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident. Drivers must stop, provide identification and insurance details, and render aid if needed. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow this law, leaving victims to face the aftermath without clear accountability.

Unique Challenges Hit and Run Victims Face

Victims of hit and run accidents encounter numerous obstacles, including:

  • Uncertainty About Compensation: Without the at-fault driver, it’s unclear where compensation will come from.
  • Emotional Trauma: Fleeing the scene often adds emotional stress to an already difficult situation.
  • Insurance Resistance: Insurance companies may question claims or minimize payouts in hit and run cases, requiring a robust legal strategy.
  • Delayed Medical Care: Some victims hesitate to seek treatment, fearing they’ll be stuck with the bills if the driver isn’t found.

What Makes Handling a Hit and Run Accident Case Different From a Regular Car Accident Claim?

Hit and run cases are uniquely challenging compared to standard auto accident cases because the responsible party is often unknown. This creates hurdles in identifying who is liable and obtaining compensation. Here’s what makes these cases more complex:

  • Unidentified At-Fault Driver: When the driver cannot be located, recovering compensation through their insurance is impossible.
  • Relying on Other Sources for Compensation: Victims often need to pursue claims through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or other alternative options.
  • Limited Evidence: Without the at-fault driver, gathering evidence like witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction becomes even more critical. 

Chong Ye has successfully managed these complexities in hit and run cases, helping clients in Tacoma, Seattle, and the greater Puget Sound area obtain compensation when it seemed out of reach.

Washington Laws That May Affect a Hit and Run Case

In Washington, several traffic laws influence how hit and run cases are handled. Understanding these laws can clarify your rights and options:

  • Duty to Stop (RCW 46.52.020): Washington requires drivers involved in accidents to stop immediately, provide their information, and assist injured parties. Fleeing the scene is a criminal offense.
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage (RCW 48.22.030): Washington drivers are encouraged to carry UM/UIM insurance, which can compensate victims of hit and run accidents when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
  • Statute of Limitations (RCW 4.16.080): You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.

What If the Driver Is Found Later?

A distressed man crouching beside a damaged blue car, inspecting a dent on the rear corner panel, suggesting a hit-and-run accident.

Many hit and run accident victims assume that if the at-fault driver isn’t identified immediately, their chances of pursuing compensation are lost. However, if the driver is located later—whether through police efforts, witness tips, or even their own admission—you can still pursue a claim directly against them or their insurer. 

In such cases, you may have options to recover compensation for:

  • Medical Bills: Reimbursement for treatment costs resulting from the accident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.

How Ye Law Firm Handles New Evidence

When new evidence surfaces, Chong Ye immediately reviews the information to determine the best course of action.

This could involve:

  • Filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
  • Seeking punitive damages if the driver’s actions were particularly reckless.
  • Coordinating with law enforcement to gather additional evidence, such as statements from the driver or details about their insurance policy. 

Chong Ye’s thorough and adaptive approach ensures no avenue for recovery is overlooked, even when developments occur after the initial claim is filed. With his deep understanding of Washington’s legal landscape, Chong Ye is well-equipped to pivot and strengthen your case when new evidence arises.

Will Criminal Charges Affect a Personal Injury Claim?

Yes, but in a limited way. A hit and run driver who is identified may face criminal charges, but those proceedings are separate from your personal injury claim. While a criminal conviction can strengthen your case, it does not guarantee compensation. Chong Ye and the Ye Law Firm focus on civil claims, advocating for financial recovery regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

What Role Does Insurance Play in Hit and Run Claims?

Insurance is often the most significant factor in recovering compensation after a hit and run crash, especially when the driver remains unidentified. However, navigating insurance claims can be complex and frustrating, as insurers may resist paying out or attempting to minimize your settlement.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

In Washington state, UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.

UM/UIM coverage may pay for:

  • Medical bills.
  • Lost income.
  • Pain and suffering. 

While UM/UIM coverage isn’t mandatory in Washington, insurers must offer it, and it’s a wise investment for drivers. If you’re unsure about your coverage, Chong Ye can review your policy and determine your recovery options.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims or deny them outright, particularly in hit and run cases.

Adjusters may:

  • Argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
  • Question the lack of information about the at-fault driver.
  • Offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages. 

Chong Ye’s legal team is skilled at countering these tactics. They gather compelling evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate assertively to maximize payouts. Having Ye Law Firm on your side sends a clear message to insurers: you won’t settle for less than you deserve.

How Chong Ye Maximizes Payouts

Chong Ye leverages his legal skills and local knowledge to ensure clients receive the compensation they need to move forward.

His approach includes:

  • Collecting detailed evidence, such as medical records and repair estimates.
  • Documenting the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
  • Strategically negotiating with insurance adjusters, backed by his experience in securing favorable settlements for hit and run victims.

Can You Recover Compensation Without UM/UIM Insurance?

While UM/UIM insurance is an essential tool for recovering compensation in a hit and run case, not all victims have this coverage. Fortunately, there are alternative avenues for pursuing a claim:

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, another party may share responsibility for the accident, such as:

  • Bars or Restaurants: If the at-fault driver was intoxicated and the establishment overserved them, you may pursue a dram shop claim under Washington law.
  • Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may be liable under vicarious liability laws.

Chong Ye is skilled at identifying third-party liability and building cases against these entities, ensuring clients have additional opportunities for compensation.

Crime Victim Compensation Funds

Washington State provides financial assistance for victims of certain crimes, including hit and run accidents. While this compensation is typically limited, it can help cover immediate medical expenses or other pressing needs. Chong Ye can guide you through applying for these funds and explain how they may complement your personal injury claim. 

Recovering compensation after a hit and run accident can feel like an uphill battle, especially if the driver is unidentified or you lack UM/UIM coverage.

However, Chong Ye and the Ye Law Firm provide the guidance and advocacy you need to navigate these challenges. From maximizing insurance payouts to exploring third-party liability, our firm ensures no option is overlooked in pursuing justice for our clients.

How a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Handles a Hit and Run Claim

An experienced car accident lawyer like Chong Ye can make a significant difference in a hit and run case.

Here’s how:

  • Investigating the Crash: Chong Ye will use evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to identify the fleeing driver.
  • Maximizing UM/UIM Claims: If the driver remains unidentified, Chong Ye can file a claim with your UM/UIM policy and negotiate a fair settlement.
  • Filing Other Claims: Additional claims, such as those against negligent third parties (e.g., vehicle owners or employers), may also be pursued.
  • Calculating Damages: Chong Ye will ensure all your damages—medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering—are accurately valued.
  • Handling Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize claims. Chong Ye has the legal knowledge to counter these tactics and protect your rights.

Why Should You Contact a Lawyer Right Away?

After a hit and run accident, timing is critical. Contacting a lawyer promptly ensures you don’t lose valuable evidence or miss legal deadlines. Chong Ye and the team at Ye Law Firm can handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

By acting quickly, our legal team will work to:

  • Preserve Evidence: Witnesses may forget details, and surveillance footage can be erased. Prompt action secures critical proof.
  • Navigate Insurance Claims: Filing UM/UIM claims requires detailed documentation, which is easier to gather early.
  • Reduce Stress: With a skilled car accident lawyer managing your case, you can avoid the stress of handling insurance adjusters or legal deadlines on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents in Washington

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, you likely have many questions about what to do next. Below are answers to some of the victims’ most common concerns when navigating these challenging situations.

What if I didn’t get the fleeing driver’s license plate number?

Not having the fleeing driver’s license plate number does not prevent you from pursuing compensation.

While a license plate number can identify the at-fault driver, other forms of evidence may work, too.

  • Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident can provide crucial details about the driver or their vehicle.
  • Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, dashcams, or nearby business security cameras may have captured the incident.
  • Vehicle Damage Analysis: Paint transfers, debris, or the nature of your vehicle’s damage can help determine what kind of car was involved.

Can I still file a claim if the police can’t find the driver?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if law enforcement cannot locate the fleeing driver. In these cases, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can step in to provide compensation. UM coverage covers situations involving an unknown or uninsured at-fault party.

Will my insurance premiums increase if I file a UM/UIM claim?

In Washington state, filing a claim under your UM/UIM coverage typically does not cause your premiums to increase, as you are not at fault for the accident. Insurance companies are prohibited from penalizing policyholders for using coverage they already paid for. 

However, some victims worry that filing a claim may still trigger future rate hikes. 

Here’s how Chong Ye addresses this concern:

  • Policy Review: Chong Ye reviews your insurance policy to clarify your rights and what to expect.
  • Negotiation with Insurers: His skill ensures you receive the full benefit of your coverage without unnecessary complications or delays. 

Ye Law Firm can provide clear, personalized guidance if you have questions about how your claim might impact your premiums.

Contact Ye Law Firm

A hit and run accident can leave you feeling lost, but you don’t have to face it alone. Chong Ye and the Ye Law Firm are dedicated to helping victims in Tacoma, Seattle, and throughout the Puget Sound area pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Whether the at-fault driver is found or remains unknown, Chong Ye will fight tirelessly for your recovery. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident, contact Ye Law Firm today. With offices in Federal Way, Bellevue, and Lakewood, WA, Chong Ye is accessible, experienced, and ready to fight for your recovery.

Schedule your free consultation today to take the first step toward reclaiming your future. 

Call our main office in Federal Way, Washington, at 253-946-0577, Bellevue, WA, at 425-322-0577, or Lakewood at 253-946-0577, or contact us online.

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Chong Ye