Holiday Shopping Hit & Run? What To Do When Your Sleighs Collide.

With packed parking lots and stressed drivers, hit and run unattended accidents are not uncommon during the holidays. Unfortunately, they can be a pain given you are short on time, the mall is crowded, and the weather might not be ideal for leaving a note on the damaged car. However, it is very important that you take that extra step to leave a note and perhaps go to mall security to leave your contact information. 

Under Washington law, if you collide with an unattended vehicle, you are required to stop immediately and make an effort to locate and notify the vehicle’s owner or operator. You must provide them with your contact information.

If the owner or operator cannot be found, you must leave a written notice containing your name and address in a clearly visible location on the vehicle. Failing to follow these steps is considered the crime of hit-and-run unattended.

If your note disappears and there are witnesses who report the incident, it may appear to a prosecutor that you tried to escape the situation without following through on your legal duty. To really build a defense to Hit & Run, follow through with all of the steps that indicate you tried to fully comply with RCW 46.52.010—Duty on striking unattended car or other property. For example, when you leave the note, take a photo of it on the vehicle and, additionally, try to leave your information with the store manager or mall security.

There are several ways to potentially resolve a hit and run unattended case that could help you avoid a criminal conviction. Many courts allow for alternative resolutions that result in the case being dismissed after certain steps are taken. Not all courts allow for Pretrial Diversion Agreements (PDAs) or Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC) but, in many cases, there are ways to work around limitations and end up with a dismissal. However, one key element is that the other car was actually unattended. 

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To know the best options for getting your Hit & Run charge dismissed, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney in the area where you are being charged. If you are facing a criminal charge in Kitsap County or Thurston County, it is better to search for lawyers in those areas rather than Seattle. Local attorneys will know all of the alternative options for resolving your case. 

Our lawyers are here 7 days a week to help. Give our office a call to speak to one of our award-winning attorneys and get the counsel you need. (360) 792-1000