Hit and Run in Seattle

Sometimes, in the chaos and fear of an accident, people make split-second decisions without fully understanding the consequences and make the mistake of running. Unfortunately, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Washington state, and the law treats hit-and-run cases with significant severity. Whether it involves property damage, injury, or worse, the penalties for a hit-and-run include hefty fines, loss of your driver's license, and even jail time.

If you're facing hit-and-run charges, you should not face them alone. Cases this serious require a skilled Seattle attorney who understands Washington state law and specializes in building a strong defense for hit-and-run cases. Our experienced Seattle-based legal team will analyze every detail of your case, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and fight to minimize penalties or even have the charges dismissed. Contact our Seattle law offices today for a free hit-and-run case review to learn your legal options.

For over 20 years, our Seattle criminal attorneys have been defending clients accused of hit-and-run offenses across Western Washington. Recognized for our outstanding service and strong legal strategies, we have earned a reputation in the city for achieving favorable outcomes. Hit-and-run charges carry serious penalties. However, with our experience and knowledge of Seattle's courts, judges, and prosecutors, we'll fight to reduce charges and penalties. Here are some of the defense strategies we will explore for your case:

• Lack Of Knowledge: You genuinely did not realize you were involved in an accident. In cases of minor property damage or low-impact incidents, such as those that occur in busy, noisy areas like Pike Place Market or Capitol Hill, it's easy to miss sometimes.
• No Damage or Injury: If we can prove that the accident caused no actual damage or injury, we can argue that the charges are unwarranted.
• Emergency Situation: You left the scene due to an emergency, such as needing immediate medical attention, and intended to report the accident later.
• Mistaken Identity: If someone else was driving your vehicle, we can work to prove that you were not the driver involved in the accident.
• Inadequate Signage Or Visibility: Poor visibility or unclear traffic control in areas like Seattle's downtown streets or near Alki Beach could make it difficult to determine if an accident occurred.
• Failure To Stop Was Unintentional: In some cases, we can argue that environmental factors, such as heavy traffic near areas like South Lake Union, prevented you from stopping safely.
• Duress Or Threat: You left the scene because you felt threatened or unsafe, such as in high-risk areas or late at night.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution may lack reliable evidence, such as eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage, linking you to the alleged hit-and-run.
• Improper Police Procedures: If Seattle law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, our hit-and-run defense attorneys can file motions to suppress evidence and fight to dismiss charges altogether.
• Subsequent Reporting: You attempted to report the accident after leaving the scene, which can mitigate penalties if presented effectively.

As experienced Seattle attorneys, we know the unique factors that can influence hit-and-run cases in King County courtrooms. Our deep understanding of Washington laws and our strong relationships within the Western Washington legal community helps us tailor defenses to the circumstances of your case. If you're facing hit-and-run charges, contact our Seattle defense team for a free consultation.

The penalties for a hit-and-run conviction in Washington state are severe and include:

1. Hit-And-Run Involving Injuries Or Death: This is the most serious type of hit-and-run offense and is classified as a Class B felony if the accident results in injury or death. Penalties include:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Fines of up to $20,000
• Mandatory driver's license revocation
• A permanent felony conviction on your record

2. Hit-And-Run Involving Damage To An Occupied Vehicle: Fleeing the scene after damaging a car occupied by another person is classified by Washington state as a gross misdemeanor. Penalties include:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Driver's license suspension

3. Hit-And-Run Involving Damage To Unoccupied Vehicle Or Property: If you damage an unoccupied vehicle or other property like fences, poles, or signs and leave without leaving a note or contacting the owner, it is classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties for this type of hit-and-run include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines of up to $1,000

In addition to criminal penalties, you may face a civil lawsuit for economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages caused by the accident. Further, a hit-and-run conviction will likely lead to significantly higher insurance premiums or cancellation of your policy. Our skilled Seattle attorneys will mitigate hit-and-run penalties by negotiating reduced charges, securing alternative sentencing, or even challenging the validity of the prosecution's evidence.

Seattle is a city of stunning drives, offering residents and visitors a chance to take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From the serene views along Lake Washington Boulevard to the breathtaking scenery of Snoqualmie Pass, the roads here showcase the best of nature and city life. However, even in a city with roads as nice as Seattle, accidents happen. In fact, Seattle has over 10,000 vehicle accidents every year and ranks 10th in the country for congestion.

Sometimes, in the chaos and fear following an accident, people make impulsive decisions and leave the scene. However, hit-and-run offenses are treated severely in Washington state, with penalties that can include fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. Nevertheless, our skilled attorneys believe every hit-and-run case can be challenged.

We know Seattle's courts, its judges, and the strategies that work in the courtroom. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in defending hit-and-run cases and fighting for our clients' rights. We understand the local traffic laws and Seattle's roads and use this knowledge to build strong defenses and protect your future. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation.

If you fail to stop after a car accident for the purpose of exchanging information and rendering aid to any injured parties, you have violated Seattle law. Criminal prosecution for a hit and run offense could lead to a conviction, and all of the severe penalties that go along with it.

Hit and Run is a crime in Seattle, and severity is determined by a few different factors. If you damage an unattended vehicle and then leave the scene, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. If injuries to another party were involved then you can be charged with a Class C felony and punished with up to five years in prison and $10,000 worth of fines. If another person was killed you could be locked up for ten years and face a $20,000 fine.

Obviously, the stakes are high in these cases so you should contact one of our qualified Seattle hit and run lawyers for a private consultation. There are many different circumstances that could motivate you to contact a legal professional – you may have been charged with hit and run crime already, or you might believe that you committed the offense and want to minimize the penalties. Either way your primary focus should be to resolve the charges and put the whole affair behind you as quickly as possible.

Your best chance to reach a favorable outcome is to retain one of our legal professionals as soon as you can, so that they can get to work investigating your case.

Hit and run accidents are more common than many people realize, and they happen for all kinds of different reasons and under different circumstances. At times people are involved in an accident and did not intend to depart the scene without doing what was legally required of them. In these cases the guilty party may want to retain legal counsel before approaching the authorities.

Sometimes a driver is involved in an accident and the stress of the situation causes them to panic and leave the scene. When their head clears they realize they made a mistake and want to do the right thing. Again, it is wise to talk to qualified Seattle hit and run attorneys before taking any action, so as to ensure your legal rights are protected.

When an accident happens there is a lot of confusion and chaos. For this reason it can be difficult to accurately identify the guilty party in a hit and run case, and it can lead to someone being falsely accused. Don’t let this happen to you – Contact one of our Seattle hit and run lawyers for a private and confidential consultation today. They will do everything the law allows to aggressively build a defense on your behalf, and help you seek a reduction of the charges or secure an acquittal.