After A Crash
RCW 46.52.020 — stop, exchange, render aid, and a note at an unattended car
In Washington, a driver in a crash that injures or kills anyone stops immediately at or as close to the scene as possible and remains there. In a crash with only damage to an attended vehicle or property, the driver moves the vehicle off the main lanes to a suitable place nearby and remains there.
Name, address, insurance, policy number, plate, and the license shown. The driver gives their name, address, insurance company, policy number and vehicle license number, shows their driver's license to the other driver or injured person, and renders reasonable assistance, including arranging transport to a doctor or hospital where treatment is apparently needed or requested. Doing so is not evidence of fault.
| Failing those duties after a crash causing | The offense |
|---|---|
| Failing those duties after a crash causingA death | The offenseClass B felony |
| Failing those duties after a crash causingAn injury | The offenseClass C felony |
| Failing those duties after a crash causingDamage to an attended vehicle or property | The offenseGross misdemeanor |
A driver who hits an unattended vehicle stops and either finds the owner or leaves a written note in a conspicuous place with the name and address of the driver and owner; failing to is a misdemeanor. A driver in a crash with injury, death or property damage at or above the state patrol's set amount makes a written report within four days, unless an officer makes one.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 46.52.020 — Duty in case of injury, death, or damage to attended vehicle or property
- RCW 46.52.010 — Duty on striking unattended car or other property
- RCW 46.52.030 — Accident reports
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.