Hit and Run in Washington State
If you or a loved one is charged with, or under investigation for, Hit and Run in Washington State, you could face serving jail time, losing your Washington State driving privilege, and being placed on court-supervised probation for at least one year.
Washington State law requires that any driver involved in an accident must immediately stop at the scene (or as close as possible) and remain there until specific requirements are fulfilled if the accident involves:
- (1) Injury to or death of another person;
- (2) Damage to someone else’s vehicle (occupied or not); or
- (3) Damage to someone else’s property.
Note: A driver who is incapacitated as a result of an accident is not bound by these disclosure and assistance requirements.
Penalties and Classifications
If a driver fails to stop and comply with disclosure and assistance requirements, they face charges based on the severity of the accident:
- Death of another person: Class B Felony
- Injury to another person: Class C Felony
- Damage to an occupied vehicle: Gross Misdemeanor
- Damage to property (including unoccupied vehicles): Misdemeanor
License Revocation: In addition to criminal penalties, the Washington State Department of Licensing will revoke the driver’s license of any driver who fails to stop, provide required information, or render aid following an accident with a vehicle driven or attended by another person.
