Hit and Run Accident Injures

After a car accident, the law requires that everyone involved exchanges personal information as well driver’s license and insurance information. In order to avoid getting caught, though, some people flee the accident scene. If they are caught, they can be charged with a misdemeanor at the very least and face serious criminal penalties.

A hit and run accident occurred on the morning of October 5 near Yelm on Route 507 near Manke Road. The crash involved three vehicles, all of which were traveling north. A sedan slowed down to make a left turn. The pickup truck behind it slowed down as well, but a van came up from behind and slammed into the pickup truck, which then crashed into the sedan.

The man in the van, who suffered a head injury, fled the scene. A K-9 unit was brought in to help find the man, who was described as a short Hispanic man wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. It is unknown if the man was ever found.

Two other people were injured in the crash. The 29-year-old woman who was driving the sedan suffered a broken nose and jaw. She was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. A 24-year-old woman driving the pickup truck suffered back and neck injuries and was also taken to a local hospital for treatment. She had a 4-year-old boy in the truck, but he was not injured.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Hit and run accidents are typically misdemeanors if there are no injuries. However, the crash, in this case, caused injuries. Under Washington State Law RCW 46.52.020, a hit and run crash causing injuries is punishable as a Class C felony. The penalties are up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In addition, a person could lose his or her driver’s license.

Those involved in the accident are required under Washington law to exchange information and render aid to victims. The man who caused the accident should have also stayed at the scene to get medical attention for his own injury. He should have also called the police to report the accident, especially since serious injuries were involved.

Get Help for Your Criminal Case

A hit and run is a serious crime, especially if the accident caused injury or death. You could face felony charges, which can result in many years in prison and hefty fines.

The Nahajski Firm has decades of experience helping those accused of hit and run and other crimes. We can help reduce your sentence or even eliminate it altogether. For a free consultation with a criminal law attorney in Bellevue, contact the Nahajski Firm at (206) 621-0500.