Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

hit and run acciedent where person hit has no insurance

if the registered owner of a vehicle, is not present during a traffic accident, and the vehicle is not insured are they liable for any damages? second, the vehicle in question was a victim of a hit and run. a witness to the hit and run found the driver who hit the car, took the information from the person. the person says that they were not leaving the scene, and now says that they will only deal with insurance company, not the owner of the car. what can the owner do to see that she gets paid for the damages on her car?


Asked on 5/06/03, 5:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: hit and run acciedent where person hit has no insurance

In Washington State, both the driver and the registered owner of a vehicle involved in an accident are liable if there is no insurance and that driver is at fault for the accident. In the case where the driver of the uninsured vehicle is not at fault, and the other driver is at fault, then the other driver is liable and must pay for your damages. The fact that the other driver won't deaL with you may mean that he is either uninsured himself or that he is simply trying to evade or avoid paying on the claim. If the matter is below $7,500.00 in damages, you can sue in small claims court but that is no guarantee that he will pay. You may still have to hire a lawyer to collect any judgment that you might be awarded by the court. Often, it works better to hire a lawyer in the beginning to let the other driver know you are serious about collecting your damages done to your vehicle. Please call me if you wish to discuss this matter any further.

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Answered on 5/07/03, 12:26 pm


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