Hit and Run Accident Claims in Tacoma

Seeking Justice For Hit and Run Victims

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run auto accident, you are probably unsure how to deal with the complex legal issue of how to obtain compensation for your injuries and property damage. Hit and run accidents pose unique challenges that are best handled with the help of a skilled Tacoma hit and run accident lawyer.

Only a knowledgeable hit and run accident lawyer understands the legal nuances of filing personal injury claims where the at-fault driver has left the scene of a car accident.

South Sound Law Group is a law firm with in-depth experience handling hit-and-run accident claims and a proven record of obtaining favorable client results. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation so we may evaluate your case professionally.

Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in the Tacoma Area?

Hit-and-run accidents happen for numerous reasons, but several contributing factors are more common than others. The common denominator in most accidents is that the driver is trying to avoid civil liability and potential criminal penalties for being involved in a collision.

Impaired Driving

If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is involved in a traffic accident, they may fear legal repercussions and decide to leave the scene of the accident. In some instances, impaired drivers already have previous convictions and are anxious to avoid interaction with law enforcement and criminal charges.

Unlicensed or Uninsured Motorist

Even if a driver is not under the influence, they may flee the scene if they do not have a valid driver’s license or if they are uninsured. The at-fault driver may have prior convictions for driving while their license was suspended or revoked (DWLS) and may be unwilling to face legal consequences.

Speeding

The driver involved may already have points assigned to their license for previous speeding incidents, and fear that an accident will result in a license suspension.

Other factors often contribute to reckless driving, street racing, and drivers trying to avoid arrest for outstanding warrants. Regardless of how the car wreck occurred, you must consult a hit-and-run lawyer who can explain the legal process and help you file a claim.

What Should I Do if I Was Involved in a Hit and Run Accident?

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be confusing, and you may be unsure of what steps to take to protect yourself. You must remain at the accident scene if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident. The following steps include:

• Contact 911 to report the accident. 
• Request emergency medical personnel if there are injuries
• Write down the details of the accident as quickly as possible. Critical details include a description of the driver and vehicle that hit you, and, if possible, the license plate number
• Gather evidence by taking photos and videos that show the damage to your car, any skid marks, lighting, and weather conditions
• Obtain the names and contact information of any bystanders who witnessed the accident
• Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries require immediate medical care, which, left untreated, could result in life-threatening consequences
• Do not post pictures or videos of the accident on social media
• Do not agree to speak with the insurance company without consulting an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney if I Have Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

As with any other car crash, you must seek legal representation if you have been the victim of a hit-and-run driver. Due to the unique challenges of hit-and-run accident cases, you must have an attorney with comprehensive experience handling personal injury claims.

A knowledgeable attorney will thoroughly evaluate the evidence in your case to determine what damages you may be entitled to recover. Attorneys and their legal teams have the financial resources to obtain the evidence to substantiate your claim. Critical evidence includes medical and police reports, witness testimony, and video surveillance.

Your attorney can help you file an accident claim and negotiate with your insurance company to help you recover compensation. However, insurance companies look for ways to deny or reduce claims to avoid large payouts, and your own insurer is no different. Due to the legal nuances of filing hit-and-run accident claims, it is best to have a skilled attorney in your corner who will not allow the insurance provider to take advantage of you.

Who Pays For Damages in a Hit and Run Accident in Washington State?

If the hit-and-run driver is located, their insurance company would pay for any damages you incurred from the accident. If the driver cannot be located, you may be able to turn to your insurance company for out-of-pocket expenses and non-economic damages.

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can turn to your insurance company to try to recover compensation. UM/UIM coverage is meant to compensate hit-and-run victims for damages when the at-fault driver cannot be located. Also, your policy may include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay. In that case, you may recover compensation that will pay for medical costs even if the driver is located.

Depending on the circumstances, if the at-fault party is located, you may also be able to file a civil suit to recover damages to pay for medical expenses and other accident-related damages.

Washington state personal injury law can be challenging to navigate without the help of a knowledgeable accident lawyer. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run, allow our Tacoma law firm to help you seek compensation for damages.

Why Should I Hire Your Hit and Run Accident Attorneys to Help Me Seek Compensation for My Injuries?

South Sound Law Group is a Tacoma law firm committed to helping hit-and-run accident victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries, regardless of the circumstances. Hit-and-run accidents pose unique challenges for victims needing legal help to pay hospital bills and other damages.

Due to the state’s comparative fault laws, insurance adjusters dealing with hit-and-run cases often try to blame victims so they can pay less than the claims are worth. Our hit-and-run attorneys will handle all legal issues with your provider to help you obtain a fair settlement covering your expenses for medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. If your insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement that pays for your damages, our attorneys are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation.

Unlike other hit and run accident attorneys who focus on profits, our legal team strives to ensure our clients have the financial resources they need to face the future confidently. We have extensive experience obtaining favorable client outcomes in hit-and-run cases and will fight to help you receive the justice you deserve.

Contact our Tacoma hit and run accident lawyers today at 253-465-2722 to schedule a free consultation so we can determine what legal strategies will suit your needs.