Car Accident Claims in Washington
Minimum car insurance in Washington, whether the state is no-fault, how fault is shared, and the deadline to sue after a crash.
Short answer: Unless a law enforcement officer is making the report, a driver in a crash causing injury or death, or property damage to any one person of $1,000 or more (the threshold set by State Patrol rule), must make a written report within four days to the city police chief (inside a city or… RCW 46.52.030(1), (5); WAC 446-85-010; RCW 46.52.020(7)
| Reporting a crash to police | Unless a law enforcement officer is making the report, a driver in a crash causing injury or death, or property damage to any one person of $1,000 or more (the threshold set by State Patrol rule), must make a written report within four days to the city police chief (inside a city or town) or otherwise to the county sheriff or Washington State Patrol. Separately, if no one at the scene can receive the driver's information and no officer is present, the driver must promptly report the crash to the nearest police office. Threshold rule: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=446-85-010 ($1,000 since January 1, 2015). |
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| Crash report to the DMV | Washington does not have drivers file a separate crash report with the Department of Licensing. The driver's written report (filed with local police, the sheriff or the State Patrol within four days when required) is forwarded to the chief of the Washington State Patrol, which gives the Department of Licensing full access. Reports are made on the State Patrol's form, and the State Patrol may require supplemental reports. Source: RCW 46.52.030(2), (4) |
| Leaving the scene (hit and run) | A driver in a crash causing injury or death (or striking a deceased person's body) must stop immediately at or near the scene and stay until they have given their name, address, insurance company, policy number and plate number, shown their driver's license, and given reasonable help to anyone injured (including arranging transport for treatment). In a crash damaging only an attended vehicle or other property, the driver must move off the roadway to a safe nearby spot and then meet the same information duties. Leaving a crash that causes death is a class B felony; injury, a class C felony; striking a deceased person's body, a gross misdemeanor; property damage only, a gross misdemeanor. The license is revoked on conviction for failing to stop and give information or aid after a crash with an attended vehicle. Source: RCW 46.52.020 |
| Minimum car insurance | Drivers must carry liability insurance (or another approved form of financial responsibility) of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage. |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Pure comparative fault. An injured person's own fault reduces their damages proportionately but does not bar recovery, no matter how large their share of fault. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 4.22.005 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years for any injury to the person or rights of another not otherwise listed in the limitations statutes. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.080(2) |
| Deadline to sue for property damage | Three years for taking, detaining or injuring personal property (such as a car), and three years for waste or trespass on real property. |
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FAQ
When do you have to report a car accident to the police in Washington?
Unless a law enforcement officer is making the report, a driver in a crash causing injury or death, or property damage to any one person of $1,000 or more (the threshold set by State Patrol rule), must make a written report within four days to the city police chief (inside a city or town) or otherwise to the county sheriff or Washington State Patrol. Separately, if no one at the scene can receive the driver's information and no officer is present, the driver must promptly report the crash to the nearest police office.
Do you have to report a car accident to the DMV in Washington?
Washington does not have drivers file a separate crash report with the Department of Licensing. The driver's written report (filed with local police, the sheriff or the State Patrol within four days when required) is forwarded to the chief of the Washington State Patrol, which gives the Department of Licensing full access. Reports are made on the State Patrol's form, and the State Patrol may require supplemental reports.
What are your duties after a car accident in Washington?
A driver in a crash causing injury or death (or striking a deceased person's body) must stop immediately at or near the scene and stay until they have given their name, address, insurance company, policy number and plate number, shown their driver's license, and given reasonable help to anyone injured (including arranging transport for treatment). In a crash damaging only an attended vehicle or other property, the driver must move off the roadway to a safe nearby spot and then meet the same information duties. Leaving a crash that causes death is a class B felony; injury, a class C felony; striking a deceased person's body, a gross misdemeanor; property damage only, a gross misdemeanor. The license is revoked on conviction for failing to stop and give information or aid after a crash with an attended vehicle.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Washington?
Drivers must carry liability insurance (or another approved form of financial responsibility) of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Washington?
Pure comparative fault. An injured person's own fault reduces their damages proportionately but does not bar recovery, no matter how large their share of fault.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Washington?
Three years for any injury to the person or rights of another not otherwise listed in the limitations statutes.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Washington?
Three years for taking, detaining or injuring personal property (such as a car), and three years for waste or trespass on real property.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.