Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Tacoma

Tacoma has seen a rise in hit and run crashes, especially in high-traffic corridors like I-5, SR-167, Pacific Avenue, and downtown intersections. Injuries in these accidents can be detrimental, and you deserve compensation. A hit and run lawyer in Tacoma can help you secure a settlement for the suffering you have endured.

At Puget Law Group, we have a combined experience of over 150 years. We leverage that knowledge to build stronger cases, craft more effective demand packages, and secure higher settlements for our clients. If you have been injured, a Tacoma car accident lawyer is here to fight for you.

What to Do After a Hit and Run

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, what you do immediately after the collision can have a major impact on how your case goes. Maintaining composure and keeping a level head is essential so that you can start collecting evidence as soon as possible.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Immediately after an accident, call 911 and request both police and medical. Your safety and physical health are the top priority, and injuries could be more severe than you realize. It is essential that you be checked out by emergency medical responders and attend any follow-up care appointments.

Collect Witness Information

If anyone was around to witness the accident, be sure to obtain their contact information. Since every detail matters in a hit and run case, your Tacoma hit and run accident attorney will likely want to speak with them.

Take Photos and Videos of the Scene

Photo and video evidence can be among the most compelling, as they provide a visual picture of the scene and eliminate much of the speculation. Take pictures of injuries, vehicles, and the surrounding area.

Document Everything

More often than not, the driver who leaves the scene in a hit and run accident does not turn themselves in. Documenting as much as you can, either by writing it down or voice recording, can be helpful as memories fade quickly. Be sure to mention any details of the car or driver that you may have noticed.

Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Tacoma

A qualified attorney will ensure that all evidence is collected and filed with the courts appropriately. Before speaking with insurance adjusters, consult with a Tacoma personal injury lawyer to avoid making any self-incriminating statements that could lose you money.

Any car accident is stressful, but hit and run collisions bring added complications and require special care. Understanding what to do after an accident can help build your case, resulting in a higher settlement offer.

Hit and Run Accidents are Not the Same as Typical Car Accidents

In a hit and run accident, more often than not, the responsible driver is not caught. This can lead to complications with insurance payouts. Washington law requires you to stop after a vehicle collision (RCW 46.52.020). However, this requirement is not always followed. If the other driver cannot be identified, you would typically file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage as provided by your auto insurance policy.

Generally, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), personal injury protection (PIP), and collision coverage kick in and cover the damages that occur from a hit and run. The types and amounts of coverage you have depend on your specific plan.

Insurance companies often try to avoid offering high settlements if they can, even if it is your own insurer. Working with a hit and run accident attorney in Tacoma ensures that insurance companies cannot low-ball you, securing you a higher settlement offer.

How We Investigate Hit and Run Accidents

At Puget Law, we understand how to navigate the complexities of hit and run cases. Collecting evidence is crucial to building your case and creating the most effective demand package possible. There are several avenues that your Tacoma car accident lawyer may use to help solidify your claim.

Reviewing Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage

Traffic cameras are becoming more prevalent and can capture video footage of the crash, potentially helping identify the driver responsible. Additionally, surrounding businesses and residences may have cameras that can provide additional angles.

Working with Accident Reconstructionists

Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, can be immensely helpful in recreating what occurred in an accident. They can examine items such as skid marks and vehicle damage to help determine what occurred.

Accessing Police Reports

Police reports are essential pieces of evidence and are looked upon favorably if your case goes to court. Since responding officers are neutral, unbiased, and experienced third parties, their initial conclusions about what happened are highly regarded.

Interviewing Witnesses and Nearby Businesses

Eyewitness testimony, especially from uninvolved parties, can be a strong determining factor in your case. Since they don’t stand to lose or gain anything regardless of the outcome, they are considered to be a neutral party.

Tracking Down Partial License Plates and Vehicle Descriptions

Your hit and run lawyer may retain private investigators or use specialized databases to track down responsible parties. They often use partial license plate numbers, coupled with vehicle or driver descriptions, to identify the guilty driver.

Collaborating with Law Enforcement When Appropriate

Your attorney is highly motivated to win your case. This may mean that they work alongside police officers and other investigators to help gather as much detail as possible to secure the highest possible payout for you.

As with any case, your Tacoma hit and run accident lawyer will help file paperwork, negotiate with insurance, and represent you in court, but a hit and run case requires special attention to detail and a more expansive understanding of the law. With an experienced attorney by your side, you are much more likely to receive full compensation for your suffering.

Our Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer is Here to Help

You have endured enough. You deserve a team of knowledgeable, compassionate legal professionals who will fight on your behalf.

If you are ready to get back to living your life, schedule your free consultation with Puget Law Group today. Let our hit and run accident attorney get you the justice you deserve.