Hit and Run Accident Attorney Assistance

Whiplash is a serious problem for car crash victims. Cunnane Law can help.

It can be downright maddening when someone intentionally leaves the scene of an accident to avoid facing the consequences. However, all is not lost if you have been in a hit and run accident. Cunnane Law in Edmonds, WA can help you recover costs related to your property damage as well as your physical injuries.

Criminal Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents

The three levels of penalties in the State of Washington for hit and run accidents are misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony.

If the car was parked or unattended at the time of a hit and run accident, Washington law considers it to be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

Gross demeanors are when a hit and run accident involves one car hitting another car. They are punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail. However, if someone is injured in the accident it then becomes a Class C felony with a fine of up to $10,000 and 5 years prison time. A Class B felony is when someone is killed in the accident, punishable by $20,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

Washington State Civil Penalties for a Hit and Run Accident

In most cases, a driver is 100% at fault if they flee the scene of an accident. That means you and your attorney can seek compensation for injury damages if they are caught. Settlements can reach into millions of dollars, in cases of permanent impairment or disfigurement, provided the at-fault driver is actually found.

If the Police Don’t Find the Driver, What Happens?

All auto insurance companies doing business in the State of Washington are required by the state to offer every driver coverage for uninsured or under-insured motorists (UM/UIM). In a hit and run accident case where the driver could not be found, this coverage would be activated to cover an injured motorist’s damages. Without UM/UIM motorist coverage and a missing at-fault driver, there is nothing left that you could do and you, unfortunately, will have to foot the bill. This is one reason why you should make sure you have UM/UIM coverage and purchase adequate coverage amounts before it’s too late.

An Edmonds WA Hit and Run Attorney Can Help

Our attorneys at Cunnane Law in Edmonds WA have been successful in recovering damages for our clients worth millions of dollars. Whether it’s launching a priority investigation to locate the at-fault driver, suing that driver for negligence, or negotiating for the full value of your claim with the insurance company, we can help. Give us a call to set up a no-obligation consultation if you have been in a hit and run accident or any other car crash.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.