By Pendergast Law on February 27, 2013
A man was critically injured in a recent Washington pedestrian accident involving a white van that left the scene of the crash. According to a KOMO news report, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Aurora Avenue near North 145th Street in Shoreline.
Officials say the man was crossing the road when a white work van struck him. Witnesses say the man behind the wheel pulled into a nearby parking lot after the crash before driving away as police arrived. The victim has been listed in critical condition and the authorities are searching for a full-sized Ford or Chevy with a work rack on top and a broken headlight.
According to Washington Statute 46.52.020, “A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident.”
Washington law requires all motorists involved in collisions to remain at the scene when someone has been injured or killed. The authorities attempt to track down individuals who leave the scene of a crash and if apprehended, hit-and-run drivers can be held accountable for their wrongdoing. Unfortunately, the authorities are not able to find all responsible parties. In such cases, the injured victim may wonder who will pay for his or her considerable losses. A skilled car accident attorney will assess the situation to help the victim get the support he or she needs. In some cases, victims may be able to seek compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of his or her own car insurance policy.
The Seattle hit-and-run car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. know how to protect the rights of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident, please call our offices at 888-539-9211 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.