Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Hit and Run???

On Saturday 5-16, I went outside to go to work and noticed that someone had clipped my car and knocked the drivers side mirror off. I went to work and called Police and my insurance company. The police filed a report, the damage is probably less than my deductable.

On Sunday night 2 police officers came to my home and said they were doing a hit and run investigation. I thought they had found something out about my car. They said that my ex-girlfriend is claiming that I hit her car and drove away.

I have some evidence as to where I was Saturday morning. I made a phone call to work to let them know I was on the way and would be there soon and I left 10 minutes later. The call was at 0805. Security has me logged into the parking lot at 835. It takes 20-30 minutes to get to work. I made no stops and went straight to work from home.

I also have my mirror and there is an obvious red patch on it evidently from whatever hit my car. As far as I know her car is black.

I am concerned about criminal and civil litigation. What should I do?


Asked on 5/18/09, 3:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Hit and Run???

Make no statements to the police. Preserve the phone record and security log. Have a dependable friend (with no criminal history) take a picture of the girlfriend's car and the damage to your car. Hire and attorney to conduct the investigation and defense of your case now. No need to wait until the prosecutor has all the evidence they want and file the charge. In fact, I recommend against waiting and hiring a lawyer now.

At your service,

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Answered on 5/18/09, 6:37 pm


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