When you suffer injuries caused by a hit and run accident, you may be unsure what to do. You’re facing medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and even lost time at work. Who is to blame? What steps can you take to get legal support? At The Law Office of Blake Kremer, you have legal support to help you through this difficult time. When you reach out to a Tacoma hit and run accident attorney, you can get individualized support and insight into what your options are. Always make contacting your attorney your first step.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident is a vehicle accident in which one party strikes another with their car and does not stop but flees the scene of the incident. It can occur when a person strikes another person walking, a bike rider, or another vehicle.
A hit and run accident is typically a criminal offense in most states, including in Washington. When it occurs, the person responsible could be charged, and that could mean fines and jail time depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the incident.
What Hit and Run Accident Laws Exist in Tacoma?
Under Washington law, a person has a duty to stop if they cause an injury or death to another person in a vehicle accident. If they fail to stop, the driver could face charges for doing so. If this happens to you, it is critical to know what to do to protect your rights.
If you are a victim of a hit and run car accident, it is easy to become confused about what your legal options may be. You may be unsure how to file a claim for losses you have when you are unsure who caused the incident to occur.
When this occurs, there are several things you should do quickly.
- Attempt to identify the other driver in some way. Look at the vehicle. Try to capture the license plate number, even a few digits may be helpful. Determine the color, make, and model if you can.
- Try to determine who is at the wheel of the car, if they are still present. Use your camera to help you when possible.
- Call the police and wait for them to arrive. The police will investigate the case and have you assist in the completion of a police report.
- Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses in the area. Be sure to ask them for any details about the other driver they saw.
- Contact local shops and homes in the area. Inquire about the presence of video doorbells or security cameras that may have some information on them.
Once you take these steps and get the medical help you need, contact a Tacoma hit and run car accident attorney. Do not wait to do this. Do so while you remember as much about the accident as possible. We will work hard to help you to gather any evidence possible in your case.
When Should You Call a Tacoma Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
Call a Tacoma hit and run accident attorney as quickly as possible after this type of accident. That should occur after you complete a police report and obtain any medical care you need.
Attorney Kremer will work closely with you at this point to support your efforts to determine who was at fault as well as who may be responsible for your losses.
In a common case, the at fault driver would be responsible. That driver’s insurance company would help cover the costs you suffer due to that person’s actions. However, in a hit and run case, that cannot happen if you do not identify the driver.
How Can Your Insurance Help You?
If you have uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist insurance, that policy may help to cover your losses. Washington State does not require drivers to carry this type of insurance. Many people do because they recognize the importance of having this level of protection.
When you have uninsured motorist coverage, don’t file a claim for your losses until you speak to your attorney. In a Tacoma hit and run accident, you still need to prove to the insurance company that you suffered losses. We can help you to complete that claim to ensure it is accurate.
FAQS on Hit and Run Accidents
We encourage you to come in to speak to a Tacoma hit and run accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your case. Here are some common questions people ask that may help you with what you are facing right now.
Can you sue for a hit and run accident?
You can sue when a person causes damage to your car. To do this in a hit and run accident, you need to identify the party responsible for your losses.
What to do after a hit and run accident?
After a hit and run accident, get the medical attention you need and then reach out to a Tacoma hit and run accident attorney to help you. Our legal team will help you gather evidence in your case as we work to prove who may be at fault. We can also help you settle your losses with your insurance company if you have coverage.
How Can an Attorney Help with a Hit and Run Accident?
Attorney Blake Kremer wants to help you recover any losses you suffer as a result of the accident you’re facing. To do that, we will:
- Work to identify the responsible party, often with the police’s help
- Document all your losses brought on by that accident
- Pursue legal action against the party if it is determined who caused the accident
- Help you to complete a claim with your insurance company that includes all your losses
- Go to court to protect your rights when necessary
Contact Your Attorney for Legal Help Today
Contact Tacoma hit and run accident attorney, Blake Kremer, now for the legal guidance you need. There is absolutely no reason to face these losses on your own. Attorney Blake is happy to meet with you to discuss your case at length, providing you with better access to accurate, fair information about your losses.
Contact us now to learn more about your rights after a hit and run accident.
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