It isn’t always clear what to do if you’re in a hit and run accident in Everett. Victims of a hit and run accident in Everett should call 911 and begin documenting as much as they can about the accident. Always prioritize your safety by requesting medical care, but also try to capture information about the at-fault party.
You will then need to file a police report, document your losses, and seek legal guidance to help you navigate your right to pursue compensation. Speak with an Everett hit and run accident lawyer today.
Request 911 and Care Immediately
As soon as you can, call 911 and inform the dispatcher about what is happening. At that moment, provide as much information as you can about what you are experiencing and what you see.
Having the dispatcher on the phone helps record those details in real time and may allow police to track down those at fault and fleeing. Communicate the following with the dispatcher:
- Where you are and what you are seeing
- Any details possible about the vehicle or the person driving it
- The license plate number, if possible
- What injuries did you or others in your vehicle have
- Any details, such as where the driver turned or how they got away
Providing this information to the dispatcher immediately allows them to take action and document critical evidence that could be important to your claim immediately.
It is very common not to remember details even a few minutes after the hit and run accident in Everett, especially if you have injuries. Be sure to speak with an Everett car accident lawyer about your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (425) 835-2614
Document the Scene as Much as You Can
When you can do so safely, gather as much information and data from the scene of the Everett hit and run accident as you can. The police responding to the accident will do the same, but what you do can help you in your case later.
If you can, take these steps:
- Take photos of the damage to your car and any debris in the area from the incident
- Use a video to capture the layout of the area, such as all areas of the intersection or roadway
- Take photos of your injuries if possible
- Ask anyone who stops to provide their name and contact information for a statement later
- Write down or record yourself stating any information you remember about the driver or the vehicle
This information allows you to reconstruct your accident later. It may help your hit and run accident lawyer in Everett to gather critical sources of information, such as surveillance cameras in the area or witness statements that may shed light on fault.
File a police report at the scene of the accident or later with the information you have. Hit and run laws (RCW 46.52.020) make it clear drivers must stop. When they do not, you still have rights if you can prove who is at fault.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Do not put off getting medical care in any way. You may not have obvious wounds, especially if you have a head injury, internal bleeding, or whiplash. Going to the hospital immediately allows you to get fully checked out right away to address any type of injury before complications arise.
Go to the emergency room if:
- You struck your head during the accident.
- You have open wounds or significant bleeding.
- You don’t remember the accident or its immediate aftermath.
- Your ribs or midsection struck the steering wheel or any other area of the vehicle.
- You were hit from behind with force.
- You have any physical mobility issues.
In these situations, there is a high probability of a serious injury that warrants immediate care. By going to the hospital, you document that your injury stems from the accident itself. This helps you build your case later. An Everett personal injury lawyer is here to answer your questions about an Everett hit and run accident.
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Contact Your Everett Hit and Run Accident Attorney Immediately
Once your health is safe, the next step is to gather evidence of your losses. Hire a hit and run accident lawyer in Everett to help with this process. Your attorney has the resources to build your case and claim, along with the knowledge necessary to seek legal action quickly to preserve your rights.
Your attorney will handle:
- An investigation to determine who is at fault. An attorney may identify additional evidence relevant to your claim. They often become partners with the local police in building your claim.
- Notification to all insurance companies of the accident. If you do not know the other driver, your attorney will handle notifying your insurance company of the accident. They will also work with the at-fault driver’s insurer once the driver is identified.
- Building your claim. This includes documenting all your injuries and losses, such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. They will gather evidence to prove who is at fault.
When the police determine who is at fault, your attorney seeks legal action against those parties. They represent you in seeking a claim that incorporates all of your losses. In situations where you do not know who is at fault, your attorney will fight for maximum compensation against your uninsured motorist policy, if available.
Determine If a Third Party Could Be at Fault
Another way your hit and run attorney helps you is by investigating any opportunities for claims against third parties that may be partially at fault for your losses.
For example, the city may be at fault if there was poor visibility at the intersection or numerous repeated accidents occurred there, and the city failed to take action to address the issue. Third-party liability also applies if you learn the driver’s identity and they were working at the time of the accident. This could increase access to the compensation you need.
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Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team to Learn More
At Murphy Trial Law, we know a hit and run accident in Everett can be a terrifying experience, especially when you have significant financial losses.
Our attorneys work with you to find the at-fault party and explore other resources to help make up for the losses you have. Set up a free consultation with our hit and run accident lawyer in Everett to learn more about your rights.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form