After a hit-and-run accident, you may face more than physical injuries. You may be facing questions about how to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the driver who hit you fled the scene. Tamaki Law helps victims of hit-and-run accidents understand their options and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under Washington law. With decades of experience handling hit-and-run claims, our team knows how to work through insurance claims and advocate for your rights.
Why Choose Tamaki Law
Tamaki Law has been helping injured people after accidents since 1994. Our founding partner, Blaine L. Tamaki, brings about 35 years of trial experience to the firm. He has helped secure reported client recoveries exceeding $167 million. Those recoveries include a $167.3 million settlement for sexual abuse victims. Our team includes attorneys who have been selected for recognition such as Super Lawyers by Washington Law & Politics, and Blaine Tamaki’s Avvo profile reflects a 10.0 rating with hundreds of client reviews.
We handle hit and run cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Our approach focuses on understanding your specific situation and explaining your options in clear, straightforward language. We operate three offices across Washington—in Yakima, Kennewick, and Bellevue—so we can serve clients throughout the state. Learn why clients choose Tamaki Law for their personal injury representation.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, contact information, or insurance details. Under Washington law, drivers must remain at the accident scene and exchange information with other parties involved, and in some situations must render reasonable assistance. This applies whether the accident caused property damage, injuries, or both.
Hit and run accidents differ from typical car accidents in one critical way: the at-fault driver is absent or unidentified. This creates challenges for victims seeking compensation. You may not have the driver’s insurance information, and you may not even know who hit you. Despite these obstacles, Washington law and many auto insurance policies provide pathways for victims to seek recovery even when the responsible driver cannot be identified. Learn what steps to take immediately after a car accident to protect your claim.
Washington’s Hit and Run Penalties and Consequences
Washington treats leaving the scene of a collision as a serious offense. Drivers who flee can face criminal charges that may result in jail or prison time, fines, and license consequences. The severity of potential penalties depends in part on whether the accident caused injuries, death, or only property damage.
For hit and run accidents involving injury, a driver can face felony charges that may carry significant prison exposure under Washington RCW 46.52.020. If the collision results in a fatality, leaving the scene can lead to more serious felony charges with higher potential maximum sentences. Hit and run crashes involving only property damage can result in gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges with possible fines and driver’s license consequences. In some cases where the driver is caught and convicted, courts may order restitution to help cover medical expenses and other documented losses.
These criminal penalties are handled in a separate criminal case and do not themselves provide civil compensation. However, the existence of a criminal investigation or charges can affect how insurers and defendants approach civil settlement discussions. Our team of experienced attorneys understand how criminal and civil proceedings interact in hit and run cases and can guide you through both processes.
Your Compensation Options After a Hit and Run
Even if you cannot identify the at-fault driver, Washington law and common auto policies may offer compensation options. These options can cover your injuries and damages.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can protect you when the responsible driver has no insurance or cannot be identified, as in many hit and run scenarios. UM coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain non-economic damages up to the limits of the coverage you purchased. Many drivers have this protection without realizing it, because it is routinely offered with Washington auto policies. Uninsured motorist claims are often the most important protection in a hit and run case. The Insurance Information Institute provides comprehensive resources on understanding UM/UIM coverage requirements.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover your damages. If the responsible driver is identified but their insurance does not fully compensate you, UIM coverage can help address the shortfall, up to your policy limits. This coverage is particularly valuable in serious injury cases where damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. Bryan G. Smith, one of our senior trial attorneys, has extensive experience handling UIM disputes and underinsured motorist claims.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can pay for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Washington law requires insurers to offer PIP, and policyholders can reject it in writing. When in place, PIP can provide earlier payment for treatment and income loss while fault and other coverage issues are still being sorted out. Explore how personal injury protection works in Washington accident claims.
If the hit and run driver is eventually identified, you may also pursue a bodily injury liability claim against their insurance carrier and, if appropriate, a civil lawsuit. Tamaki Law evaluates all available coverages and works with accident reports and other evidence to identify potentially responsible drivers and insurers whenever possible. Our truck accident attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers handle similar multi-coverage scenarios.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident
Your actions in the moments and hours after a hit and run accident can significantly impact your ability to pursue a claim:
- First, call 911 if anyone is injured or if the collision is serious. Even if injuries seem minor, emergency responders can document what happened and create an official record. Police reports often become important evidence when insurance companies review claims. What to do after a hit and run accident includes preserving this documentation and protecting your legal rights.
- Second, gather as much information as you safely can at the scene. Write down the time, location, and weather and road conditions. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact details. Try to note anything you observed about the other vehicle—color, size, make, model, direction of travel, license plate (even partial), and any visible damage. If it is safe, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidance on accident scene documentation.
- Third, document your injuries and medical care. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you initially feel okay. Some conditions emerge or worsen over time, and medical records provide essential support for your claim. How long after a car accident can you claim injury? — the answer depends on your specific situation and applicable deadlines. Delayed pain after a car accident is common and should be documented.
- Fourth, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide the police report number and the information you gathered. Ask about your UM, UIM, and PIP coverages and how to initiate claims under each applicable provision. Should you be talking to an insurance company after an accident? — yes, but carefully and with legal guidance. Many accident victims benefit from having an attorney review communications before responding to insurers.
- Finally, consider contacting Tamaki Law for a consultation. Early legal help can assist with communicating with insurers, meeting deadlines, and preserving evidence that may be important to your case. Our free consultation can help you understand your rights and options. Injured as a passenger in a car accident? — we handle those claims too.
How Tamaki Law Helps Hit and Run Victims
When you hire Tamaki Law, you gain a legal team focused on pursuing compensation available under your policy and Washington law. We manage the legal and insurance aspects of your claim so you can prioritize your health.
Our investigation begins with reviewing police reports, contacting witnesses, and evaluating scene evidence such as photos or available video. When appropriate, we may consult accident reconstruction professionals to help clarify how the crash occurred. If there is a realistic possibility of identifying the hit and run driver, we explore that path with the information available. Our case results demonstrate our success in recovering substantial compensation for accident victims.
We handle communications and negotiations with insurance carriers on your behalf. Insurers sometimes question or undervalue hit and run claims, especially UM and UIM claims. Our attorneys are familiar with common defense and claims-handling tactics and work to present the strongest possible claim on your behalf. Why hire Tamaki Law? — we bring decades of trial experience and a track record of record-setting recoveries.
We track and meet applicable deadlines. Washington’s general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of injury, but insurance policies can impose shorter contractual time limits and notice requirements. We prepare and file the necessary paperwork and, when warranted, bring lawsuits to protect and advance your claim. Related practice areas include truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death claims.
If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, we can file suit and prepare your case for trial or arbitration, depending on the policy and circumstances. Our trial background allows us to take your case beyond settlement discussions when that is the appropriate next step. What happens at a deposition? — our attorneys guide you through every stage of litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?
Call 911 to report the collision and wait for law enforcement if it is safe to do so. Gather information about the other vehicle and any witnesses. Seek medical care as needed. Then contact your insurance company to ask about making a claim under your uninsured motorist and PIP coverages, if available. Tamaki Law can help you understand your coverages and assist with the claim process. Contact us today for a free consultation about your uninsured motorist claim.
How long do I have to file a hit and run claim in Washington?
In many Washington personal injury cases, you have three years to file a lawsuit from the date of the accident. However, notice requirements and claim deadlines within your own policy can be shorter, and delays can harm your claim. Consulting with an attorney promptly helps ensure you understand and can meet the timelines that apply in your situation. The Washington State Bar Association provides resources on finding qualified legal representation.
Can I recover compensation if police never find the driver?
In many cases, yes. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply when you cannot identify a hit-and-run driver. Your policy terms and proof requirements still control. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and certain non-economic damages. Tamaki Law can assist you in pursuing a UM claim and responding to insurer questions or challenges.
What damages can I recover in a hit and run case?
You may be able to pursue economic damages such as medical expenses, wage loss, reduced earning capacity, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, depending on your injuries and the applicable coverage. In serious injury cases, total damages can be significant. Tamaki Law reviews medical records, employment information, and other documentation to present a complete picture of your losses.
How much does it cost to hire Tamaki Law?
We represent hit and run clients on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay an upfront retainer for attorney fees. Instead, our fee is typically a percentage of any settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf. If there is no recovery, you generally do not owe an attorney fee under this arrangement. We explain the details in our written fee agreement before you decide how to proceed.
What if the other driver’s insurance denies my claim?
Insurance companies may deny or limit claims for a variety of reasons. If a liability or UM/UIM carrier denies your claim, Tamaki Law can review the denial, gather additional supporting information, and challenge the decision through negotiations, internal appeal processes, complaints to regulators where appropriate, or litigation. We evaluate the most effective next steps based on the facts and policy language.
Contact Tamaki Law for Your Free Consultation
After a Washington hit-and-run injury, you do not have to handle the insurance process alone. Tamaki Law offers a free consultation to discuss what happened, review your coverage, and explain your options. Call (800) 801-9564 today to talk with a hit and run accident lawyer.
Washington’s three-year statute of limitations and shorter insurance deadlines mean it is important to act promptly. We represent clients across the state from our Yakima, Kennewick, and Bellevue offices and are ready to speak with you about your potential claim.