Lakewood Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the at fault driver flees the accident scene, the situation becomes even more overwhelming. For car accident victims in Lakewood, WA, hit and run accidents can leave behind not only serious injuries and property damage but also a sense of confusion and uncertainty about where to turn for help.

Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress while struggling to understand how to recover compensation when the responsible party cannot be located. These cases bring unique challenges, from complex insurance claims to lengthy investigations.

At Brumley Law Firm, our experienced legal team understands the difficulties hit and run victims face. We are committed to providing strong legal representation, guiding clients through the legal process, and helping them pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under Washington law. With a proven track record of representing accident victims across Washington State, our Lakewood personal injury attorneys are here to stand by your side.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Hit and Run Accident Case in Lakewood?

Choosing the right car accident lawyer after a hit and run crash can have a significant impact on how your case is managed and presented. At Brumley Law Firm, we combine extensive experience with an unwavering dedication to our clients.

Here’s why injured residents in Lakewood turn to us for help:

• Experience Handling Personal Injury Cases: Our legal team has extensive experience handling personal injury claims, including complex hit and run cases.
• Insurance Insight: Founding attorney Joshua Brumley is a former insurance company lawyer. His insider knowledge of how insurance adjusters and insurance providers evaluate claims allows us to anticipate tactics and strengthen your position.
• Comprehensive Representation: From minor accidents to catastrophic injuries, we provide end-to-end support, including gathering evidence, filing insurance claims, negotiating with your own insurance company, and litigating when necessary.
• Client-Focused Approach: We treat every case with care, ensuring accident victims receive personalized attention and guidance tailored to their unique situation.

Our law firm is committed to helping car accident victims pursue fair outcomes under Washington law.

Client Testimonials

Past clients frequently share how Brumley Law Firm has supported them during difficult times:

“The legal team at Brumley Law Firm went above and beyond to make sure I understood every step of the process. They fought hard with the insurance companies and helped me receive fair compensation after my car crash.”

“After being injured in a hit and run accident, I had no idea where to turn. Joshua Brumley and his staff were patient, compassionate, and relentless in pursuing a fair settlement for my case.”

“Brumley Law Firm is not just a law firm; they truly care about their clients. Their guidance through my personal injury lawsuit gave me confidence and peace of mind.”

These testimonials reflect our dedication to standing with the Lakewood community and providing legal representation accident victims can trust.

How a Lakewood Hit and Run Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

Hit and run cases are among the most challenging types of motor vehicle collisions. An experienced Lakewood hit and run accident lawyer can help you by:

1. Conducting a Thorough Investigation
   Our experienced legal team works with investigators, reviews accident reports, and gathers crash data from law enforcement to help identify the other driver. Even small details like vehicle color, a partial driver’s license plate number, or witness statements can be critical.
2. Handling Insurance Claims
   If the at fault driver is not located, we help clients file insurance claims under their uninsured motorist coverage. We communicate directly with insurance providers and insurance adjusters to protect your rights and prevent lowball offers.
3. Negotiating for Fair Settlements
   Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our accident attorneys push for fair settlements that reflect the true extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.
4. Litigation When Needed
   If negotiations fail, we are prepared to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in court to seek full and fair compensation under Washington law.

By hiring a Lakewood accident attorney, you gain an ally who understands Washington State laws, comparative fault issues, and the nuances of hit and run claims.

Common Types of Hit and Run Accident Cases

Hit and run accidents occur in many forms across Lakewood, WA. Brumley Law Firm has experience with cases such as:

• Vehicle Accidents: Crashes where the negligent driver flees after causing a rear end accident, intersection collision, or reckless driving incident.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Victims struck while crossing streets or walking near busy intersections.
• Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists injured in collisions where drivers fail to stop and provide aid.
• Parking Lot Crashes: Drivers hitting parked cars or pedestrians and fleeing without leaving information.
• DUI or Distracted Driving Collisions: Accidents where reckless drivers flee to avoid arrest for intoxication or cell phone use.

Whether involving minor accidents or severe crashes resulting in catastrophic injuries, our law firm is prepared to handle these cases with diligence and care.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Hit and Run Accident Case

Recovering from a hit and run accident often requires more than just medical attention. Victims may face long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. A Lakewood hit and run accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for:

• Medical Bills and Future Care: Including hospital stays, rehabilitation, surgery, and ongoing treatment supported by medical records.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering: Recognition of both physical injuries and emotional distress.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one is killed, families may pursue damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other losses.
• Out of Pocket Expenses: Costs like transportation, medications, or household help during recovery.

Our goal is to recover compensation for all damages accident victims endure, working to pursue fair compensation that reflects their losses.

What is the Process for Filing a Hit and Run Accident Claim?

The process of filing a personal injury claim after a hit and run involves several steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even visible injuries may not show their full severity immediately. Prompt care also provides essential documentation.
2. Accident Report: File a report with law enforcement to establish official records of the crash.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect photos, witness information, and details about the accident scene.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the incident to your own insurance company, but consult with an accident lawyer first to avoid missteps.
5. File a Personal Injury Claim: With the help of an accident attorney, pursue a legal claim against the responsible party or through your auto insurance policy.
6. Negotiation and Settlement: Work toward a fair settlement with insurance companies.
7. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit.

Throughout this process, Brumley Law Firm provides guidance and legal representation to help accident victims recover compensation efficiently.

Statute of Limitations in a Lakewood Hit and Run Accident Claim

In Washington State, most personal injury claims, including hit and run accidents, must be filed within three years of the accident date. This statute of limitations applies whether you are filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim.

Exceptions may apply, especially if the at fault driver is identified later or if minors are involved. Failing to act within the deadline can bar you from recovering damages. A Lakewood accident attorney can ensure your legal claim is filed on time and preserved under Washington law.

Elements of Negligence in a Hit and Run Accident Claim

To pursue compensation, certain elements of negligence must be established:

• The at fault driver owed you a duty of care.
• That driver breached their duty through reckless driving, distracted driving, or other negligent behavior.
• The breach caused the car crash.
• You suffered damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.

Our legal team builds strong cases by gathering evidence, consulting expert witnesses, and demonstrating each element clearly.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington State follows comparative fault rules. This means multiple parties involved in vehicle accidents may share responsibility. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on your share of liability.

An experienced Lakewood hit and run accident lawyer will protect your rights under these laws and push back against attempts by insurance adjusters to unfairly shift blame.

Statistics on Hit and Run and Car Accidents in Washington

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 810 people died in traffic crashes in 2023, the highest number since 1990. Preliminary data shows 731 fatalities in 2024, a decline of about 9 to 10 percent, though numbers remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.

The WTSC State of the State brief published in May 2024 highlights ongoing risks tied to impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use, all of which contribute to serious injuries and fatalities on Washington’s roadways.

In Pierce County, which includes Lakewood, fatalities and serious injuries continue to be a critical concern. Local crash trends mirror statewide challenges, underscoring the dangers drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face in the area.

For more detailed reporting, the Washington State Department of Transportation Crash Data Portal provides access to official crash data collected from police reports, including statistics on collisions that involve drivers fleeing the scene.

Contact a Lakewood Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a hit and run accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Brumley Law Firm is dedicated to helping accident victims in Lakewood and across Washington State seek legal representation, recover compensation, and focus on healing.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call us today at (833) 740-2275 or request a free case evaluation online. Our experienced legal team is ready to review your personal injury claim, explain your options, and advocate for a settlement that reflects the facts of your case and Washington law.