Despite
your best intentions, you may be involved in a collision at some point. Loss of
time, human suffering, damage to your vehicle, and civil lawsuits resulting in
great expense can be the result. Remain calm.
STOPPING REQUIREMENTS
After
a collision, the law requires that you stop immediately (minimum blockage of traffic).
Present your license, vehicle registration and proof of financial
responsibility to the driver (person struck) or occupants of the other vehicle
or the police. Failure to do so will result in license revocation and a gross
misdemeanor conviction (up to 1 year jail time and/or up to $5,00 fine)
If
someone were injured/died the penalty for hit and run would be increased (class
c felony, up to 5 years jail time and/or up to $10,000 fine)
Victims
at scene: The driver shall also render reasonable assistance to any person
injured in the collision, including transporting, or making arrangements for
transporting that person for medical treatment, if it is apparent that
treatment is necessary or the person requests it (RCW 46.52.020)
The
usual first step would be to summon a professional aid; let them decide. Give
aid to the injured within your abilities (stop profuse bleeding using pressure)
Avoid moving the injured unless circumstances require it (fire, traffic etc.)
Property
damage: (unattended vehicle) you must stop and try to find the owner and
identify yourself before leaving the scene of the collision.
If
not possible, leave a note giving the name address and phone number of the
driver and owner of your vehicle as well as a statement of the circumstances. (
a third party number, attorney or work address and phone number are suggested
alternatives to prevent any possible personal repercussions) as soon as
possible contact the local or state police to report the collision.
When
you leave your vehicle parked, if it should become a runaway vehicle and be
involved in a collision resulting in damage or injury, all of the conditions
mentioned concerning a collision apply to you as well. Failure to comply will
result in the same penalties described earlier for a hit and run.
PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE
Try
to warn traffic using reflectors (flares other than if there is a gas spill) Enlist
the assistance of others to help prevent any further damage and/or to direct
traffic until professional aid arrives on the scene. Turn off the ignition
switches of all vehicles, create a safe zone around the vehicles and advise
everyone not to smoke as there is always the danger of fire (this is especially
true – gas spill)
REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS
After
a collision involving property damage exceeding $700, injury or death, certain
reports are required by law. A police officer at the scene will fill out a
report and is required to file it with the necessary authorities (RCW
46.52.070)
When
no peace officer is on the scene, the driver “shall within 96 hours” (4 days)
report the information to the chief of police, county sheriff or state patrol
(RCW 46.52.030). If the driver is incapable, a passenger must file (RCW
46.52.040). The chief of the Washington state patrol may request further
reports (drivers/witnesses).
These
reports are confidential (use by the authorities); however, they are available
to all involved parties. They cannot be used as evidence in civil cases other
than to prove that they wee filed. Reports are kept on file and indicate
involvement in a collision, not fault; unless the driver admits fault on the
report when it was submitted (RCW
46.52.080).
EXCHANGING INFORMATION
At
the scene, whether a police officer is present or not, exchange and make note
of the following information:
·
Driver’s name and current address
·
Driver’s license number
·
Vehicle license/identification number
·
Name and address of the vehicle owner
·
Evidence of financial responsibility
(insurance)
You
should also make note of all damage and injuries. If you have a camer, a
picture of the scene and the vehicle will help your insurance to establish both
fault and extent of the damage claims.
ADDITIONAL STEPS
For
your potential civil liability and health, it is an excellent idea to:
·
Write down the names and addresses of any
witnesses
·
Give accurate facts to the police (you will be
more credible); do not admit fault nor sign documents other than the police
report
·
Have a medical check-up just in case you may
be injured (shock, trauma)
·
Be prepared to file supplemental reports,
including informing your insurance company even though the damages may seem
minor.