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Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit and run, is a serious offense. Consequences may include everything from fines, restitution for injury or property damage, and increased insurance costs to license suspension and jail time. Continue reading to learn more about the different levels of hit and run in the state of Washington and the associated penalties.
What Is Considered a Hit and Run in Washington State?
A hit and run is an accident where a vehicle hits an object, a person, or another vehicle and the driver knowingly leaves the scene of the accident without providing their contact information.
In Washington, you can be charged with a hit and run even if the accident didn’t occur on a road or highway and if you were not the person who caused the accident.
Levels of Hit and Run in Washington State
Washington traffic law has different levels of hit and run offenses depending on whether the vehicle is moving or stationary and whether the accident caused any material or personal damages.
Hit and run of an unattended vehicle
Under Washington law, if you collide with a parked or unattended vehicle, you have to stop and locate the vehicle owner. Both you and the owner must stay on-site and get a police report filed.
If the vehicle owner is not around at the time of the collision, you are still legally required to leave a note indicating your name and address in a place where it can be easily seen.
A hit and run of an unattended vehicle occurs when you leave the scene of the collision without stopping to provide your contact information to the owner of the vehicle. In the state of Washington, this offense is considered a simple misdemeanor, which is the least serious type of crime with no mandatory penalties.
Hit and run property damage
If you are involved in a collision with another person’s property such as a fence or landscaping, and cause damage to the property, you must provide the owner with your information. In the event that you are not able to locate the owner, you are required to leave a note with your name and address in a visible place on the damaged property.
Failure to do this constitutes a hit and run property damage. Just like the hit and run of an unattended vehicle, it is considered a simple misdemeanor under Washington law and carries no mandatory penalties.
Hit and run of an attended vehicle
If you collide with an occupied vehicle, you are required by law to stop and provide the driver with your name, address, as well as insurance details, and driver’s license information.
Even if you were not the one who caused the accident, you could still be charged with the hit and run of an attended vehicle if you fail to comply with these requirements.
The hit and run of an attended vehicle that doesn’t cause any bodily harm is considered a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington. However, this offense can become a felony hit and run if there is an injury to the occupant of the other vehicle.
Hit and run that causes injury or death
If either injury or death occurs as a consequence of the accident, you must stop the vehicle immediately and offer assistance to the injured person. This includes calling emergency services and arranging for transportation to the hospital. In addition, you are required to provide your name, address, insurance details, and driver’s license information.
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to a felony hit and run charge. Like with the hit and run of an attended vehicle, you can be charged even if the accident was not your fault.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Washington State
Washington State criminal penalties are divided into two categories: misdemeanor crimes that are filed in district and municipal courts and felonies filed in superior court. Most hit and runs are considered either simple misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors.
It is important to keep in mind that Washington law does not allow removing any record of conviction, regardless of whether it is a simple misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, or a felony.
Penalty for hit and run of an unattended vehicle and/or property damage
The hit and run that causes damage to an unattended vehicle or property damage is considered a simple misdemeanor under Washington law.
This offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. You may also need to pay restitution for the damage and your insurance premiums are likely to increase. However, you don’t risk having your license suspended unless you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Penalty for hit and run of an attended vehicle
Hit and run of an attended vehicle is a gross misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Restitution to the victim and an increase in auto insurance premiums are also likely.
What’s more, a conviction for hit and run of an attended vehicle carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension of one year. It is also considered a major moving violation for purposes of the Habitual Traffic Offender statute.
Felony penalties for hit and run that cause injury or death
In Washington state, a hit and run accident that causes injury or death of another person is a felony and one of the most serious Washington criminal traffic offenses.
Hit and run resulting in injury
Hit and run where there has been an injury is a class C felony. It is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Hit and run resulting in death
Hit and run where there has been a death is a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
