Driver Injured in Seattle Hit and Run Crash

By Pendergast Law on March 18, 2015

A man was hospitalized recently after a Seattle car accident involving a driver who fled the scene of the crash. According to a Seattle Times news report, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Interstate 5 at the Duwamish Curves. Officials say the man was driving in a blue Toyota 4-Runner when a car changed lanes and struck his SUV. His SUV struck a concrete barrier and rolled onto the roadway. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

A witness of the crash wrote down information about the vehicle that sped off and notified the authorities. Officials used that information to track down the Seattle woman and her Mercury Grand Marquis. She was booked into the King County Jail for felony hit-and-run and vehicular assault.

Under Washington Statute RCW 46.61.522: “A person is guilty of vehicular assault if he or she operates or drives any vehicle- in a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another” or causes an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Vehicular assault is a class B felony.

This accident also resulted in charges for felony hit-and-run. Under RCW 46-52.020, all drivers involved in an accident resulting in “injury to or death of any person,” must immediately stop at the scene. Drivers who fail to remain at the crash site can face serious criminal penalties if the authorities track them down. Furthermore, hit-and-run drivers can be held accountable for the damages they cause.

However, not all hit-and-run drivers are apprehended. Some are never arrested and their victims are left wondering who will pay for their medical bills, lost wages and other related damages. In such cases, it is advisable to stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and to research the legal options available. In some cases, victims are able to use their own uninsured motorist coverage to receive the financial compensation they need.

If you have been hurt in a Washington car accident, even if it involved a hit-and-run driver, you have the right seek financial support for the injuries you have suffered. A Seattle car accident attorney can review your case and help you get the compensation you need.