As a Washington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, Here Are the Steps I Recommend to Start the Process of Fighting for Compensation
The human body is no match against a moving vehicle. Traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, and amputation are just a few of the catastrophic medical consequences. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident and the negligent driver fled the scene, you have additional worries about how to pay your medical bills and living expenses when you have no information to file a claim.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face the challenges of trying to recover the compensation you deserve on your own if you’re the victim of a hit and run accident. At Max Meyers Law, we make it our mission to help you locate the at-fault motorist and hold them accountable. We also explore every avenue of compensation to help you recover from your injuries and resume your everyday life.
What’s a Driver’s Duty to Stop at a Pedestrian Accident in Washington?
Under RCW §46.152.020, drivers who cause an accident that results in another person suffering an injury or being killed must stop at the crash scene. This law applies to motorists striking a car, bicycle, motorcycle, or pedestrian. They’re also required to take these actions:
- Provide their name, address, insurance company, insurance policy number, and vehicle number to the injured party or law enforcement.
- Present their driver’s license to any victim of the collision or to law enforcement.
- Remain on the scene and assist anyone who is injured, such as calling 911 for an ambulance or taking the victim to the emergency room.
If the driver who caused your pedestrian accident violates this law, they could be charged with a hit and run offense. This escalates to a Class B felony if someone is killed in the incident.
Crucial Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Hit and Run Accident
The driver could have fled the scene for many reasons. They may have been afraid of getting another ticket, having their driver’s license suspended, or increasing their insurance premiums. They could also have known they would be arrested if they were driving when drunk or had a warrant out for their arrest. Whatever the reason, it’s not right—and it’s illegal to cause a hit and run accident in our state.
The steps you take immediately after the accident significantly impact your ability to get the damages you’re entitled to for your injuries. Your actions help our pedestrian accident legal team locate the driver and determine the cause of your accident, which could include violations of RCW §46.61.526—Washington’s Vulnerable User Law. Here are our recommendations:
- Remain at the scene. Don’t try to follow the driver. You should move to a safe place on the side of the road if you can and stay onsite.
- Contact the police. Call law enforcement and emergency medical personnel immediately. Provide the officer with as many details as possible about the accident and the vehicle that struck you, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number if you remember them. This information could help them locate the driver. Then, order a copy of the police report within the next few days.
- Take photos. Capture the scene, including weather and road conditions, skid marks, nearby business or traffic cameras, and anything else that could help our attorney find the driver. Also, photograph your injuries.
- Obtain witness information. Ask for contact details for any eyewitnesses to your pedestrian accident. They can corroborate how the event occurred and may have information that helps our legal team identify the hit and run driver.
- Take care of your health. Even if you don’t believe you were hurt or think you can tough it out, definitely get medical care within 72 hours of the accident. This step is vital to protect your health and avoid disputes with the negligent motorist’s insurance company when we file your claim.
- Notify your auto insurance company. Call your carrier to inform them of your accident. You may be required to do this under your policy and protect your right to compensation with them if you need it.
Finally, contact our legal team at Max Meyers Law immediately after your accident. We work tirelessly to conduct a proper investigation to locate the hit and run motorist, and once found, fight with their insurance company for the settlement you deserve. We can also file a claim under your uninsured or underinsured or personal injury protection insurance coverages if you purchased them and they’re applicable in your situation so you won’t have the added burden of financial stress to cover your medical expenses while the case progresses.
