Vancouver Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Legal advocacy when you’re injured in a hit-and-run in Washington State and Oregon

When you’re driving down the road, or even just crossing the street, the last thing you expect is another driver crashing into you and then speeding away. Unfortunately, however, hit-and-run accidents happen far too often here in Vancouver, Washington and throughout Oregon. These accidents can leave victims not only dealing with injuries and property damage, but also the overwhelming frustration of not knowing who is responsible. At Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you work through the complicated legal issues that follow a hit-and-run accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run car accident happens when a driver is involved in a crash and then leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact information or help anyone who might be hurt. In Washington State and Oregon, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident, whether it involves another car, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even property damage.

Under RCW 46.52.020 in Washington, and ORS 811.700 in Oregon, drivers must:

• Stop at the scene of the accident.
• Provide their name, address, and insurance information.
• Assist anyone who may be injured, including calling emergency services if necessary.

When a driver fails to do this, they can face serious criminal charges and any civil claims victims might pursue.

How do hit-and-run accidents happen?

Hit-and-run accidents can occur from many different situations. Some of the most common include:

• Intersection collisions, where a driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into another vehicle.
• Rear-end accidents, when the driver hits another car from behind and then drives off.
• Parking lot accidents, when someone hits a parked car and leaves without leaving a note or contacting the owner.
• Pedestrian or bicyclist accidents, where a driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist and then flees the scene.

In many cases, hit-and-run drivers leave because they’re trying to avoid legal trouble. They might be:

• Driving without a valid license or insurance.
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Afraid of criminal charges.
• Driving a stolen vehicle.
• Involved in other illegal activities.

Unfortunately, their decision to flee leaves innocent people like you suffering both physically and emotionally.

What are some common injuries from Vancouver hit-and-run accidents?

Because hit-and-run accidents often happen at high speeds or in dangerous conditions, the injuries can be severe. Victims may suffer from:

• Severe whiplash and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations and bruising
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

In some tragic cases, hit-and-run accidents result in fatalities. The surviving family members are left grieving while also dealing with complicated legal and financial issues.

What are my legal rights after a Vancouver hit-and-run accident?

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident here in Vancouver, you do have legal options, even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified.

• Both Washington and Oregon require insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM) as part of your auto insurance policy, unless you specifically waive it in writing. UM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
• Insurers in both states also offer personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover immediate medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. While Oregon requires PIP coverage in most auto policies, Washington drivers are offered PIP but can reject it in writing. This type of insurance is especially important in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver is unknown.
• If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages. In some cases, the court may even award punitive damages to punish the driver’s reckless behavior (while Oregon law allows punitive damages in some cases of reckless conduct, Washington does not permit punitive damages in civil cases).
• In some situations, victims may be eligible for compensation through state crime victim funds if the hit-and-run is considered to be a criminal act.

What should I do after a Vancouver hit-and-run accident?

Being involved in any type of car accident is stressful, but a hit-and-run adds yet another layer of complexity. Here are the steps you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights:

• Call 911 immediately. Report the accident to police and request medical help if needed. The police report will be important later for your insurance claim and potential legal case.
• Even if you don’t feel injured right away, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Document everything. Take photos of your vehicle, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and nearby landmarks. Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle, like its make, model, and color, license plate (even partial is fine), and any distinguishing features (bumper stickers, dents, decals).
• Talk to witnesses. If anyone else saw the accident, get their names and contact information.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to start your claim.

Then, contact the Vancouver hit-and-run accident lawyers at Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers. We can help you work through your insurance claim, work with law enforcement, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

What are the challenges of a hit-and-run accident case?

One of the biggest challenges in hit-and-run cases is identifying the driver who fled. Law enforcement may use tools like:

• Traffic cameras
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes
• Witness statements
• Vehicle debris left at the scene
• License plate readers

Even if the driver is not found right away, having legal representation can make a big difference in how your case is handled. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny coverage entirely. Having an experienced lawyer on your side ensures your rights are protected.

How can your Vancouver hit-and-run accident lawyers help with my claim?

Here at Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand the frustration and fear that comes along with being the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Our team has experience handling these types of cases in both Washington and Oregon, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Here are just a few ways we can help.

• We thoroughly investigate your accident, working with private investigators, reviewing video footage, and gathering witness statements to help identify the at-fault driver.
• We deal directly with your insurance company to make sure you receive the benefits to which you’re entitled under your UM and PIP coverage.
• Insurance companies often try to offer quick, lowball settlements. We fight for the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and your future medical needs.
• If the driver is identified, we can file a personal injury lawsuit to hold them accountable.

And, throughout the entire process, we keep you informed and involved, providing the support you need during this difficult time.

Frequently asked questions

What if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

You can still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Washington, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim. In Oregon, the statute of limitations is typically two years. However, insurance claims often need to be reported much sooner.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a UM claim?

In most cases, filing a UM claim for a hit-and-run accident should not result in a premium increase since you were not at fault.

Do you have a Vancouver hit-and-run accident lawyer near me?

Philbrook Law has locations in Vancouver and Portland. We serve clients in the greater Portland area, and throughout Oregon and Washington. Rest assured, however, that if you are critically injured and unable to come to us, we can travel to visit you in the hospital or rehabilitation center. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations.

Get in touch with our Vancouver hit-and-run accident attorneys today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Washington or Oregon, don’t try to handle the legal process alone. Contact Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers, today for a free consultation. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. To schedule an appointment with an experienced lawyer, call our offices today. You can also complete our contact form. We handle car accidents on a contingency fee basis. We proudly serve clients throughout Oregon and Washington.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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