Washington state hit-and-run laws are the legal rules that require drivers to stop and provide information or assistance after being involved in a collision that causes injury, death, or property damage.
Depending on the severity of the accident and the actions of the driver, a hit and run can be a misdemeanor or a felony offense, with penalties ranging from fines and jail time to prison and license suspension.
According to RCW 46.52.020, a driver who is involved in an accident that results in injury or death to any person must:
- Immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic;
- Give their name, address, insurance information, and vehicle license number to the injured person or the driver or any occupant of the other vehicle;
- Render reasonable assistance to any injured person, including calling for medical help if necessary;
- Remain at the scene until they have fulfilled the above duties.
Failing to do so is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
According to RCW 46.52.010, a driver who is involved in an accident that results in damage to an attended vehicle or other property must:
- Immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic;
- Give his or her name, address, insurance information, and vehicle license number to the owner or operator of the other vehicle or property;
- If the owner or operator is not present, leave a written note with the above information in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle or property.
Failing to do so is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
It is also a misdemeanor to hit an unattended vehicle or other property and fail to stop and leave a note with the same information.
If you are involved in an auto accident in Washington state, it is necessary to obtain a vehicle accident report if:
- The accident resulted in injury or death to any person;
- The accident resulted in damage to any vehicle or property exceeding $1,000.
According to RCW 46.52.030, you must file a report with the Washington State Patrol or the county sheriff within four days of the accident.
Failing to file a report is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident or need legal advice on your rights and responsibilities after an auto accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
What Does Hit and Run Unattended Mean?
Hit and run unattended means that a driver hits an unattended vehicle or other property and leaves the scene without stopping and providing information or leaving a note. This is a misdemeanor offense in Washington state, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
What’s the Difference Between Unattended and Attended?
The difference between unattended and attended hit and run is that attended hit and run involves hitting an attended vehicle or other property, meaning that there is someone present who owns or operates the vehicle or property. Attended hit and run also requires the driver to render assistance to any injured person, if applicable.
Attended hit and run is a more serious offense than unattended hit and run and can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the damage or injury. The penalties for attended hit and run can range from up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for a gross misdemeanor to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for a class C felony.
What Is the Punishment for Hit and Run Unattended in Washington State?
The punishment for hit and run unattended in Washington state is up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. This is a misdemeanor offense, which means that it will appear on the defendant’s criminal record and may affect their employment, education, or housing opportunities.
In addition to the criminal penalties, the defendant may also face civil liability for the damage caused by the hit and run. The owner or operator of the vehicle or property that was hit may sue the defendant for compensation for the repair or replacement costs, as well as any other losses or expenses related to the accident.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License?
You may also lose your driver’s license as a result of a hit-and-run conviction. According to RCW 46.20.285, the Department of Licensing may suspend or revoke the driver’s license of any person who is convicted of hit and run involving injury, death, or attended property. The suspension or revocation period depends on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior driving record. The minimum suspension period is one year for a misdemeanor hit and run and three years for a felony hit and run. The maximum revocation period is indefinite.
To restore the driver’s license after a suspension or revocation, you must pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of financial responsibility, and complete any other requirements imposed by the Department of Licensing. You may also have to pay higher insurance premiums or obtain a high-risk insurance policy after a hit-and-run conviction.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me With My Hit and Run Case?
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run case, whether as a victim or a person accused, you may be unsure about your next steps. Dealing with the aftermath of such an incident can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when considering the legal implications. This is where a Washington traffic violation lawyer can make a significant difference. Let’s discuss some key reasons why hiring a Washington traffic violation lawyer through LegalMatch can be a wise decision.
Building a Strong Case
Lawyers are skilled at collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a robust case. They can help determine liability, collect proof of damage, and present your case effectively, whether it’s in negotiation with insurance companies or in court.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
Lawyers can negotiate on your behalf to get a fair settlement from insurance companies, who often try to minimize payouts. Without a lawyer, you could end up accepting less than you deserve.
Representing You in Court
If your case goes to court, having a lawyer is vital. They can guide you through the process, represent you during hearings, and argue your case before the judge or jury, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities. The good news is, finding the right lawyer to help with your hit-and-run case is made simple with LegalMatch.
LegalMatch is a trusted platform that connects you with pre-screened, qualified lawyers in Washington. All you have to do is present your case, and LegalMatch will match you with a lawyer who is perfectly suited to your needs.
Let a LegalMatch traffic violation lawyer in Washington guide you through every step of the way. Start your journey toward justice. The right legal support is just a few clicks away.
