Hit-and-Run Crash on SR 18 Suspect Driver At Large [King County, WA]

(December 26, 2025) — Early Christmas morning, authorities are searching for a driver who fled after a vehicle crashed into a pole in a hit-and-run crash on SR 18.

The collision occurred around 1:20 a.m. Deputies arrived at the scene near the State Route 18 and Interstate 90 interchange and found one passenger still inside the vehicle with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Paramedics transported the injured passenger to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The driver had already left the area before law enforcement arrived.

The Washington State Patrol later assumed control of the investigation and is working to determine what caused the crash and identify the fleeing driver.

Crews cleared the scene by approximately 2:15 a.m. The investigation remains ongoing.

Do The Right Thing. Stay. Help. Take Responsibility.

A hit-and-run is not just a crime, but a devastating act of cowardice leaving victims injured, scared, and sometimes fighting for their lives. If you’re involved in a traffic accident, stop immediately. Call 911. Help those who are hurt.

Remember that fleeing the scene only worsens the situation and carries serious legal consequences, including felony charges. Victims deserve accountability and justice.

Leaving the scene of a crash puts lives at risk and can carry serious legal consequences. Drivers involved in any collision should remain at the scene, call for help, and ensure that anyone injured receives immediate medical attention.

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File a Personal Injury Claim in Case of Vehicle Crash

A personal injury claim following a traffic collision is a legal process that allows an injured party to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the accident. These claims arise when a driver’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions lead to an accident resulting in injuries.

The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to establish fault. This normally involved gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the accident scene. A skilled attorney from Sweet Lawyers can help establish who was responsible for the accident, which is indeed, necessary for determining liability.

Once fault is established, the injured party can then pursue compensation for damages which may include but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Consequently, medical documentation and expert testimony are essential for proving the extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations, or the time frame within which a personal injury claim must be filed, varies by state. Meaning if a claim is not filed within this window, the victim and the family of the victim may lose the right to seek compensation.

A personal injury claim in case of a traffic collision can be complex, but it offers an essential avenue that helps the victims to recover damages and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Speak With Our Legal Team

Consult with Sweet Lawyers’ personal injury attorneys and let us get the maximum compensation for you.

Call us at (800) 674-7852 or click here to chat with us.