If you’re involved in a car accident in Washington, it’s important to understand your responsibilities. Learn about the state’s laws here.
Getting into a car accident is a terrifying experience. And while the laws about car accidents can be confusing, it’s essential to know your responsibilities after an accident in Washington state.
Here we dive into the key legal obligations you must fulfill following a car accident in Washington. If you are looking for additional information, you can also review Chapter 46.52 of the Washington Motor Vehicle Code.
1. Washington Driver Exchange of Information Law
After an accident in Washington, you are obligated under state law to exchange information with the other parties. This means you need to provide your name, address, vehicle license number, and the details of your insurance policy. You also must show them your driver’s license.
A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death shall immediately stop and remain at the scene until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or resulting in damage to any vehicle or other property shall give his or her name, address, insurance policy, and vehicle license number and shall exhibit his or her vehicle driver’s license to any person struck or injured or the driver or any occupant of, or any person attending, any such vehicle collided with.
2. Washington Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
As a Washington driver, the law requires you to provide “reasonable assistance” to anyone who is injured during a car crash. This includes either personally taking them to a hospital or making arrangements for someone else to do so if it is clear they need medical care or ask to go.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall render to any person injured reasonable assistance, including the carrying or the making of arrangements for the carrying of such person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such carrying is requested by the injured person or on his or her behalf.
3. Washington Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
Under Washington law, you must report any car accident involving injury, death, or at least $1,000 or more in damage to a single person’s property. To fulfill this duty, you must submit a written report to the local authorities within 4 days of the crash.
Unless a report is made by a law enforcement officer, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to the property of any one person equal to or greater than the minimum amount adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol shall, within four days, make a written report to the chief of police or the county sheriff or state patrol.
The chief of the Washington state patrol shall adopt rules establishing the accident-reporting threshold for property damage accidents. Beginning October 1, 1987, the accident-reporting threshold for property damage accidents shall be five hundred dollars.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Washington?
In Washington, if you fail to file an accident report when you are obligated to do so, your driver’s license can be suspended. The suspension will last until you file the required report.
The director may suspend the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privileges of any person failing to report an accident as provided in RCW 46.52.030 until such report has been filed.
4. Washington Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
According to Washington law, you have a legal duty to take action after a car accident causing property damage, even if no one is injured. First, you must move your vehicle away from the roadway as soon as you can. Additionally, you must provide your information to the other people involved in the accident.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle or damage to other property must move the vehicle as soon as possible off the roadway. The driver shall remain at the suitable location until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to any vehicle or other property shall give his or her name, address, insurance policy number, and vehicle license number and shall exhibit his or her vehicle driver’s license to the driver or any occupant of, or any person attending, any such vehicle collided with.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Washington?
If you hit a parked car in Washington, the law requires you to locate and notify the owner of the other vehicle involved of your name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle you were driving. It is also acceptable to leave a written note with this information on the vehicle you struck instead.
The operator of any vehicle which collided with any other vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the owner of the name and address of the operator and owner of the vehicle or leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice, giving the name and address of the operator and of the owner of the vehicle striking such other vehicle.
Even though being involved in a car accident is stressful, it’s essential that you remember your legal responsibilities to keep yourself out of trouble. Before you get behind the wheel in Utah, make sure you know and understand the laws about accidents and always obey them.
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