Hit & Run

In the state of Washington, a hit and run is a crime that occurs when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop, provide identification, and assist any injured parties. The severity of hit-and-run charges depends on the circumstances of the accident overall.

Hit and runs are considered serious crimes in Washington and are treated as such. They carry significant legal and personal consequences for the accused. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it might be in your best interest to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney with experience handling this type of case.

• Hit and Run Unattended Vehicle (RCW 46.52.010): This is considered a misdemeanor offense and involves damage to a parked or unattended vehicle. The maximum penalty for this charge is typically 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. This statute also covers the driver’s duty to stop and provide their information. This means leaving a written note or notifying the owner of the vehicle or property.
• Hit and Run Attended Vehicle: This is a more serious offense and involves damage to a vehicle that has someone inside of it. It is considered a gross misdemeanor offense, and you can be sentenced to up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
• Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death: These are considered felony offenses and carry lengthy prison time and fines. A hit and run that results in injury is often classified as a Class C felony and is punishable with up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A hit and run that results in death is a Class B felony and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
• Underinsured Motorists (RCW 48.22.030): This statute lists protections for victims of underinsured motorists. It says there is coverage for insured people regardless if the incident was intentional or not.
• Duty to Give Information and Render Aid (RCW 46.61.020): This statute outlines what the general obligations are of a driver involved in the accident. This includes stopping, providing their information, and rendering their assistance to anyone who is injured as a result of the accident.
• Duty to Notify Owners of a Struck Animal (RCW 46.52.070): This statute requires a driver to notify the owner or local animal control if an animal is hit. Failure to do so isn’t classified under the Revised Code of Washington as a hit and run but can still lead to serious penalties.
• Vehicular Homicide or Assault Linked to a Hit and Run: Vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520) is a Class A felony that can lead to life in prison and fines. Meanwhile, vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522) is a Class B felony that can result in 10 years in prison and fines.

Hit and Runs in Washington

Hit-and-runs in Washington can happen pretty much anywhere. However, they are much more prevalent in areas like theI-5 corridor that experience heavy traffic. This can increase the risk of accidents and potentially lead to hit-and-run accidents.

Western Washington also has a strong focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety, making hit-and-run accidents involving these vulnerable populations even more concerning. Agencies like the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement officers actively investigate hit-and-run accidents and use resources like traffic cameras and witness testimony to secure a conviction.

All drivers must report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000 to law enforcement or the Washington State Patrol within four days (RCW 46.52.030).

A conviction for a hit and run can result in the suspension or the revocation of your driver’s license and can also result in civil liabilities that extend past criminal penalties. This can include lawsuits for damages caused by your actions.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Hit-and-Run Charges

Facing hit-and-run charges can be overwhelming for many. This is where a skilled criminal defense attorney comes in, as they can provide you with invaluable assistance from beginning to end. They understand the complexities involved with hit-and-run cases and can explain all of the potential consequences to you so you can make more informed decisions about your next steps.

Your attorney can also gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your interests. They can challenge the case presented by the prosecution team and negotiate a favorable plea deal or the complete dismissal of all charges in certain circumstances.

If your case ends up going to trial, your criminal defense attorney will represent you in court and argue your case on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and presenting your case in the best possible light.

Finally, they can try to reduce the penalties or the severity of your hit-and-run charges while securing a lesser charge or even a reduced sentence. A hit-and-run conviction can have long-term consequences that include jail time, fines, driver's license suspension or revocation, increased insurance premiums, difficulty finding employment, and a criminal record.

Consult With Your Criminal Defense Attorney Today

We believe that even the most complicated hit-and-run case can be challenged successfully as long as you have the right criminal defense attorney at your side. We have years of experience on our side that can help you get through your criminal charges with more ease than if you were to tackle the experience alone.

So if you or a loved one are facing hit-and-run charges in Washington, consult with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys who are well-versed in hit-and-run laws in the state to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Most people should know that when they are involved in a traffic accident, they are required to stop and exchange information with the other driver or the owner of the item that was struck. This obligation does not go away if you do not have insurance, or because it is raining, or because no one is around.

If you leave the scene of an accident, you could be charged with a hit & run.

There are two types of hit & run. The first and most serious is hit & run attended. This is normally charged when you strike another vehicle that is occupied by a person. Hit & run attended is a gross misdemeanor and also comes with a one-year license suspension.

The second type of hit & run is unattended. This means you strike an unoccupied car (such as a parked car) or some other type of object (like a fence) and fail to notify the owner. Hit & run unattended is a , which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, unlike hit & run attended, unattended does not come with a license suspension and it is not a strike for habitual traffic offender status.

Whether you are facing a hit & run attended or unattended charge, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Call us today for a free consultation with one of the experienced Washington criminal defense attorneys at Washington State Attorneys.