Burien Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Burien Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
A hit and run accident can leave victims feeling lost and overwhelmed. In an instant, lives are disrupted by injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, and questions about how to move forward. When a driver flees the scene, victims and their families may feel abandoned and unsure of where to turn for help. Washington state law requires all drivers involved in a collision to stay at the scene and assist any injured parties, and failure to do so leads to a hit-and-run charge.
At Brumley Law Firm, we understand how devastating these moments can be. Our Burien personal injury lawyers are committed to helping clients pursue fair compensation under Washington law and guiding them through each step of the legal process. We proudly serve clients in Burien and across Washington State, working diligently to protect their rights and pursue compensation under Washington law.
Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Hit and Run Accident Case in Burien?
Choosing an experienced law firm can provide valuable guidance in navigating the legal process after a serious car accident. At Brumley Law Firm, our team combines compassion with extensive legal experience. Trust your gut in choosing a lawyer; it is important to select someone you feel comfortable with.
Here’s why clients throughout Burien and King County turn to us for representation in hit and run cases:
- Experience: Our firm has experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims, including hit and run cases. Each case depends on its own facts and past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
- Unique Insight: Founding attorney Joshua Brumley is a former insurance attorney, giving our team insider knowledge of how insurance companies handle accident claims and how to counter their tactics.
- Client-Focused Approach: We recognize that every case is different. We tailor strategies to meet the needs of each client, whether that means negotiation or courtroom litigation.
- Results: We have assisted many Burien residents with claims involving medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Every case is unique, and results will vary depending on the facts.
When you choose Brumley Law Firm, you gain more than a lawyer, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights and standing by your side throughout the entire process.
Client Testimonials
Our clients’ voices reflect the dedication and care we bring to every case:
- “The team at Brumley Law Firm treated me like family after my accident. They made sure I understood every step and fought for the compensation I needed to recover.”
- “Joshua Brumley and his staff never gave up on my case. They showed compassion when I needed it most and delivered results when it mattered.”
- “I couldn’t have asked for better support after my hit and run. The firm made sure the insurance company treated me fairly.”
How a Burien Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case
A hit and run case is often more complex than a typical car accident. Victims may wonder how they can recover compensation if the responsible party is never found. Hit-and-run incidents can lead to both criminal charges and civil penalties, making it essential to have experienced legal representation. Our experienced accident attorneys provide comprehensive services, including:
- Investigating the Scene: We gather evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements to help identify the driver. Even partial details like a license plate number or vehicle description could lead to critical evidence.
- Handling Insurance Companies: If the responsible driver is not identified, we help clients file claims through their uninsured motorist coverage. Our experience dealing with insurance companies ensures our clients are not taken advantage of.
- Consulting Experts: When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic experts to strengthen your case and fully assess damages.
- Litigation When Needed: If negotiations fail, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court when necessary in pursuit of compensation available under Washington law.
From start to finish, Brumley Law Firm handles the legal burden so clients can focus on healing.
Common Types of Hit and Run Accident Cases
Our Burien hit and run accident lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including:
- Pedestrian Hit and Runs: Often occurring in crosswalks or residential neighborhoods.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists struck by drivers who flee the scene.
- Rear-End Accidents: When a driver crashes into another vehicle and quickly leaves.
- Parking Lot Collisions: Damage to parked cars without leaving contact information.
- Drunk or Distracted Driver Accidents: Many drivers flee to avoid a criminal charge.
These cases are all too common in communities like Burien, where busy intersections and high-traffic routes increase the risk of accidents.
Compensation You Can Obtain in a Hit and Run Accident Case
Recovering fair compensation is essential to help victims rebuild their lives. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work and reduced future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle or other damaged property.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Companionship: When a loved one is killed in a hit and run accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
Our team ensures that all possible damages are factored into your claim so you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What is the Process for Filing a Hit and Run Accident Claim?
The process of filing a hit and run accident claim in Washington involves several steps: It is beneficial to hire a lawyer soon after a hit and run accident to ensure timely action and communication with insurers.
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by visiting a doctor, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Call the police to create an official report, which will serve as critical evidence.
- Gather Evidence: Collect photos, witness details, and notes about the accident scene.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident but avoid providing recorded statements without legal advice.
- Contact Brumley Law Firm: Our team will handle the legal process, from negotiations with insurers to filing a lawsuit if necessary.
- Receive Compensation: Whether through settlement or trial, we assist clients in seeking damages such as medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Statute of Limitations in a Burien Hit and Run Accident Claim
In Washington State, accident victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. This statute of limitations applies to hit and run accidents as well. It is important to file a civil lawsuit within this timeframe to avoid losing your right to pursue compensation.
Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, so it is critical to contact an accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Elements of Negligence in a Hit and Run Accident Claim
To establish liability in a hit and run case, four elements of negligence typically need to be proven:
- Duty of Care: Drivers have a duty to operate vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty: The driver violated this duty by causing the accident and fleeing the scene.
- Causation: The driver’s actions directly caused injuries and damages.
- Damages: Victims suffered measurable harm such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Even when the driver cannot be identified, insurance coverage may still provide compensation for your damages.
Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington follows a comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault for a car accident and awarded $100,000, your recovery may be reduced to $80,000. Our attorneys aim to present evidence clearly to reduce unfair fault assignments and support your claim.
Local Hit-and-Run & Traffic Accident Statistics in Washington State
While detailed hit and run crash numbers specifically for Burien remain limited in publicly available data, Washington State’s broader crash statistics help show how serious traffic collisions are across the region. These numbers underscore why legal help from a Burien hit and run accident lawyer can be vital.
- According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 810 traffic fatalities on all public roads in Washington in 2023, a 9.0% increase over 2022. (WSDOT)
- Serious injury crashes statewide rose from 3,102 in 2022 to 3,413 in 2023. (WSDOT)
- WSDOT’s Crash Data Portal offers high-level summaries from Police Traffic Collision Reports, including crash severity, contributing circumstances, and location. (WSDOT)
- Active transportation users have also been affected: in 2023, pedestrian fatalities climbed to 154, up from 136 in 2022. (WSDOT)
What These Numbers Mean for Burien Residents
- Even though Burien-specific hit and run data is not yet published, statewide trends show increasing risks of serious crashes.
- Pedestrian and bicyclist crashes are a growing share of fatalities and serious injuries, making Burien residents particularly vulnerable.
- When a responsible party flees the scene, victims face additional hurdles in recovering compensation. Prompt legal action often makes the difference in protecting your rights.
Contact a Burien Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident in Burien, you do not have to face this challenge alone. Brumley Law Firm is committed to helping clients pursue justice, recover compensation, and move forward with their lives.
We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Contact us today at (833) 740-2275 to speak with a Burien hit and run accident lawyer. Let our dedicated legal team help you pursue the compensation available under Washington law.