More than one-quarter of WA drivers polled admit to committing a hit-and-run

It’s illegal in every state to crash and dash, yet drivers still do it.

According to a PEMCO Insurance poll (from a few years ago), 28% of Washington drivers polled admitted to hitting a parked car and driving off without leaving a note.

As staggering as the numbers are in WA, numbers from Portland, OR were much worse, coming in at 47%.

“Oh no, am I going to get in trouble? Will I get a ticket? What will this do for me financially? Will it affect my insurance? Those are all typical reasons we see when it comes to this type of behavior,” PEMCO spokesperson Allison Leep said. “If you find yourself a victim of a hit-and-run, think safety first. Get help immediately. Make sure your car is out of harm’s way. Then, gather as much information as possible. Gather! Gather! Gather!”

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What information should you gather?

1. Take out your phone and take pictures. Get close-ups. Be as detailed as possible.
2. Call the police and stay on the scene until they arrive. Sometimes officers won’t respond, but the dispatcher will help you with what to do next.
3. Think of your insurance company. Call them. It’s a must if injuries are involved.
4. Ask a surrounding business if they have cameras.

Leep said hit-and-run accidents can be covered under your insurance if it’s a part of your coverage. Make sure to call your agent and discuss the hit-and-run scenario and whether you are covered or not.

But what happens if you hit a car with no one around?

1. Make sure you leave a note under the windshield wiper. Your note should include the date and time, document the damage that occurred, and of course, leave your contact information.
2. Take out your phone and take detailed pictures of the damage. This kind of documentation is going to help you from being blamed for other damages you didn’t cause.
3. Call your insurance company and submit a claim, especially if your vehicle is damaged.

If you need help with writing a script, PEMCO said it should read something like this:

“On (date and time), I hit your (color, make, model) car, license plate (number). My (part of car) contacted your car’s (part). Please call me so that I can provide my insurance information.

(Your name, phone number)” 

Remember, hit-and-runs are illegal and keep in mind there are traffic cameras just about everywhere, so it’s better to be honest than to just drive away.

A Washington State hit-and-run unattended charge is a misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A conviction for an unattended hit-and-run will not suspend or revoke your driver’s license but may increase your insurance costs.

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