What to Do Following a Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident in Washington

Colburn Law

Posted in Motorcycle Accidents on November 3, 2021

A motorcycle accident can be very scary. You may wonder if you have serious injuries, worry about paying for losses like medical care or property repairs, and feel confused about how the accident happened. These worries can feel heightened if the accident was a hit and run.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Washington, it is important to stay calm and seek help as soon as possible. You still may have options for compensation even if you are unable to identify the at-fault driver.

Pull Over and Call 911

The first step you should take after a hit-and-run accident is to pull over in a safe location. Do not attempt to chase or follow the fleeing driver—this action can put you in a very dangerous situation. Instead, record as much information about the driver as you can remember, including the following details.

• The color, make, and model of the driver’s car
• Any physical characteristics of the driver, including gender or age
• A complete or partial license plate number
• The time, date, and location of the accident
• The direction that the driver was traveling before and after the collision

This information can be very valuable in helping the police track down the hit-and-run driver. After taking this step, call 911 as soon as possible to report the accident and relay these details.

When the responding officer arrives at the scene, respond to his or her questions to the best of your ability and say “I don’t know” if you are unsure of an answer. Collect his or her name and badge number so you can find the police report at a later time.

Seek Medical Attention

Next, you should seek emergency medical attention for your injuries even if you do not feel hurt. In these situations, shock could be numbing your injuries, or you may have delayed symptoms that do not appear for days after the accident. Seeking treatment as soon as possible can help you treat these conditions before they worsen.

While receiving medical attention, save all documents related to your treatment and your injuries. These records will be crucial in proving a future insurance claim or lawsuit.

Document Evidence at the Scene

If you are able to move around the accident site without injury or danger, take steps to document evidence at the scene. Save physical evidence, such as torn or bloody clothing and damaged property. Take as many photographs as possible of your motorcycle, visible injuries, and property damage. Photograph the area around the collision as well, capturing debris, traffic signs, and the road.

If any witnesses saw the accident, ask them for their contact information. These parties can provide valuable testimony during your case and may even be able to help identify the hit-and-run driver.

Contact a Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Washington follows a fault car accident system where victims file insurance claims or lawsuits against at-fault drivers. If you are in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, however, you may be unsure of your legal options. In these situations, you need a Washington motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.

An attorney can evaluate your case and explain your options for compensation. In some cases, a lawyer can also help the police identify a hit-and-run driver and bring him or her to justice. Once you receive treatment for your injuries, contact a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.