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Leyes de Atropello y Fuga en Washington: Penas y Qué Hacer

Por Equipo Editorial de Recording Law16 min de lectura
Leyes de Atropello y Fuga en Washington: Penas y Qué Hacer

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Qué debo hacer inmediatamente después de un atropello y fuga en Washington?

Detenga su vehículo en el lugar del accidente o lo más cerca posible de manera segura. Proporcione su nombre, dirección, información del seguro y número de placa al otro conductor, a los pasajeros o al propietario de la propiedad. Muestre su licencia de conducir si se la solicitan. Preste la asistencia razonable a cualquier persona lesionada, incluyendo organizar el transporte a un hospital. Reporte el accidente a la policía, especialmente si involucra lesiones, muerte o daños materiales de $1,000 o más.

¿Es Washington un estado sin culpa (no-fault) para accidentes de auto?

No. Washington es un estado de responsabilidad por culpa (tort) que sigue una regla de negligencia comparativa pura. El conductor que causó el accidente es responsable de pagar los daños. Las víctimas lesionadas pueden recuperar una compensación incluso si comparten parte de la responsabilidad, pero su compensación se reduce en proporción a su porcentaje de culpa.

¿Cuál es el plazo de prescripción para los cargos de atropello y fuga en Washington?

Depende de la gravedad. Los cargos de delito menor simple (vehículo desatendido) deben presentarse dentro de 1 año. Los cargos de delito menor agravado (vehículo atendido, daños materiales) deben presentarse dentro de 2 años. Los cargos de delito grave de Clase C (lesiones) deben presentarse dentro de 3 años. No existe límite de tiempo para presentar cargos cuando un atropello y fuga resulta en la muerte. Para las demandas civiles, las víctimas lesionadas tienen 3 años para presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales o daños materiales.

¿Puedo usar mi propio seguro después de ser víctima de un atropello y fuga?

Sí. Según el RCW 48.22.030, Washington exige que las aseguradoras de autos incluyan cobertura de motorista sin seguro (UM) en cada póliza, a menos que usted la rechace por escrito. La cobertura UM se aplica cuando no se puede localizar al conductor responsable. Usted debe reportar el atropello y fuga a las autoridades dentro de 72 horas y proporcionar evidencia que corrobore el hecho más allá de su propio testimonio.

¿Qué pasa si no pude detenerme físicamente después del accidente?

La ley de Washington exime específicamente a las personas que quedan lesionadas o incapacitadas por el accidente al punto de no poder cumplir físicamente con los requisitos de detenerse y reportar. Si usted perdió el conocimiento o sufrió lesiones que le impidieron detenerse, esto puede servir como una defensa válida. Los registros médicos que documenten su condición en el momento del accidente respaldarían esta defensa.

¿Lesionado en Washington? Obtenga una revisión gratuita del caso con un abogado de lesiones personales

Si la negligencia de otra persona causó su lesión, podría tener derecho a compensación por gastos médicos, salarios perdidos y dolor y sufrimiento. Obtenga una revisión gratuita y sin compromiso de un abogado de lesiones personales en Washington. La mayoría trabaja por honorarios contingentes, así que no hay costo inicial.

Actualizaciones

Ley aplicable revisada en busca de cambios recientes

La ley detrás de este artículo

Este artículo se apoya en 10 disposiciones legales conservadas en nuestro propio registro jurídico, cada una obtenida de la fuente oficial. Toque una sección para leer el texto vigente.

Revised Code of Washington

§ 46.20.285Offenses requiring revocation.Vigente
The department shall revoke the license of any driver for the period of one year unless otherwise provided in this section, upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of any of the following offenses, when the conviction has become final: (1) For vehicular homicide the period of revocation shall be two years. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense; (2) Vehicular assault. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense; (3) Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree that renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle, for the period prescribed in RCW 46.61.5055; (4) Any felony where the sentencing court determines that in the commission of the offense a motor vehicle was used in a manner that endangered persons or property; (5) Failure to stop and give information or render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or resulting in damage to a vehicle that is…

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 38 opiniones judiciales1970s: 21980s: 01990s: 32000s: 122010s: 132020s: 8Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2025

Casos destacados: State v. Dykstra (Court of Appeals of Washington 2005, 127 Wash. App. 1) · State v. Batten (Washington Supreme Court 2000, 140 Wash. 2d 362) · State v. RLD (Court of Appeals of Washington 2006, 132 Wash. App. 699)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.20.342Driving while license invalidated—Penalties—Extension of invalidation.Vigente
(1) It is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle in this state while that person is in a suspended or revoked status or when his or her privilege to drive is suspended or revoked in this or any other state. Any person who has a valid Washington driver's license is not guilty of a violation of this section. (a) A person found to be a habitual offender under chapter 46.65 RCW, who violates this section while an order of revocation issued under chapter 46.65 RCW prohibiting such operation is in effect, is guilty of driving while license suspended or revoked in the first degree, a gross misdemeanor. Upon the first such conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 10 days. Upon the second conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 90 days. Upon the third or subsequent conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 180 days. If the person is also convicted of the offense defined in RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, when both convictions arise from the same event, the minimum sentence of confinement shall be not less than 90 days.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 118 opiniones judiciales1970s: 31980s: 61990s: 242000s: 372010s: 392020s: 9Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: State v. Jasper (Washington Supreme Court 2012, 174 Wash. 2d 96) · State v. Smith (Washington Supreme Court 2005, 155 Wash. 2d 496) · State v. Potter (Washington Supreme Court 2006, 156 Wash. 2d 835)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.52.010Duty on striking unattended car or other property—Penalty.Vigente
(1) The operator of any vehicle which collided with any other vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle of the name and address of the operator and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle or shall leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice, giving the name and address of the operator and of the owner of the vehicle striking such other vehicle. (2) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to property fixed or placed upon or adjacent to any public highway shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of such property of such fact and of the name and address of the operator and owner of the vehicle striking such property, or shall leave in a conspicuous place upon the property struck a written notice, giving the name and address of the operator and of the owner of the vehicle so striking the property, and such person shall further make report of such accident as in the case of other accidents upon the public highways of this state.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 20 opiniones judiciales1980s: 31990s: 62000s: 02010s: 52020s: 6Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2025

Casos destacados: State v. Apodaca (Court of Appeals of Washington 1992, 67 Wash. App. 736) · State v. Johnson (Washington Supreme Court 1992, 119 Wash. 2d 167) · State v. Reding (Washington Supreme Court 1992, 119 Wash. 2d 685)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.52.020Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property—Penalties.Vigente
(1) A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. (2)(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person or damage to other property must move the vehicle as soon as possible off the roadway or freeway main lanes, shoulders, medians, and adjacent areas to a location on an exit ramp shoulder, the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location. The driver shall remain at the suitable location until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section. Moving the vehicle in no way affects fault for an accident.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 99 opiniones judiciales1960s: 31970s: 61980s: 151990s: 182000s: 82010s: 302020s: 19Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: State v. Keller (Washington Supreme Court 2001, 143 Wash. 2d 267) · In Re the Personal Restraint of Williams (Washington Supreme Court 1988, 111 Wash. 2d 353) · State v. Martin (Washington Supreme Court 1968, 73 Wash. 2d 616)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.52.030Accident reports.Vigentecitada en 2 de nuestros artículos
(1) Unless a report is to be made by a law enforcement officer under subsection (3) of this section, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to the property of any one person to an apparent extent equal to or greater than the minimum amount established by rule adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol in accordance with subsection (5) of this section, shall, within four days after such accident, make a written report of such accident to the chief of police of the city or town if such accident occurred within an incorporated city or town or the county sheriff or state patrol if such accident occurred outside incorporated cities and towns. Nothing in this subsection prohibits accident reports from being filed by drivers where damage to property is less than the minimum amount or where a law enforcement officer has submitted a report. (2) The original of the report shall be immediately forwarded by the authority receiving the report to the chief of the Washington state patrol at Olympia, Washington. The Washington state patrol shall give the department of licensing full access to the report.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 11 opiniones judicialesAplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2022

Casos destacados: Guillen v. Pierce County (Washington Supreme Court 2001, 181 A.L.R. Fed. 741) · Gendler v. Batiste (Washington Supreme Court 2012, 174 Wash. 2d 244) · Brown v. Pro West Transport Ltd. (Court of Appeals of Washington 1995, 76 Wash. App. 412)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.61.024Attempting to elude police vehicle—Defense—License revocation.Vigente
(1) Any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to immediately bring his or her vehicle to a stop and who drives his or her vehicle in a reckless manner while attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, after being given a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, shall be guilty of a class C felony. The signal given by the police officer may be by hand, voice, emergency light, or siren. The officer giving such a signal shall be in uniform and the vehicle shall be equipped with lights and sirens. (2) It is an affirmative defense to this section which must be established by a preponderance of the evidence that: (a) A reasonable person would not believe that the signal to stop was given by a police officer; and (b) driving after the signal to stop was reasonable under the circumstances. (3) The license or permit to drive or any nonresident driving privilege of a person convicted of a violation of this section shall be revoked by the department of licensing.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 185 opiniones judiciales1980s: 231990s: 192000s: 312010s: 742020s: 38Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2025

Casos destacados: State v. Thomas (Washington Supreme Court 1987, 109 Wash. 2d 222) · State v. Hoffman (Washington Supreme Court 1991, 116 Wash. 2d 51) · State v. Brett (Washington Supreme Court 1995, 126 Wash. 2d 136)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.61.502Driving under the influence.Vigentecitada en 3 de nuestros artículos
(1) A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state: (a) And the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or (b) The person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or (c) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug; or (d) While the person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, cannabis, and any drug. (2) The fact that a person charged with a violation of this section is or has been entitled to use a drug under the laws of this state shall not constitute a defense against a charge of violating this section.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 458 opiniones judiciales1980s: 581990s: 842000s: 892010s: 1492020s: 78Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: State v. Thomas (Washington Supreme Court 1987, 109 Wash. 2d 222) · State v. Franco (Washington Supreme Court 1982, 96 Wash. 2d 816) · State v. Wittenbarger (Washington Supreme Court 1994, 124 Wash. 2d 467)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 46.61.520Vehicular homicide—Penalty.Vigente
(1) When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle: (a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502; or (b) In a reckless manner; or (c) With disregard for the safety of others. (2) Vehicular homicide is a class A felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW, except that, for a conviction under subsection (1)(a) of this section, an additional two years shall be added to the sentence for each prior offense as defined in RCW 46.61.5055.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 234 opiniones judiciales1960s: 61970s: 161980s: 351990s: 422000s: 532010s: 532020s: 29Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: State v. Roggenkamp (Washington Supreme Court 2005, 153 Wash. 2d 614) · State v. Elgin (Washington Supreme Court 1992, 118 Wash. 2d 551) · State v. Rivas (Washington Supreme Court 1995, 126 Wash. 2d 443)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 48.22.030Underinsured, hit-and-run, phantom vehicle coverage to be provided—Purpose—Definitions—Exceptions—Conditions—Deductibles—Information on motorcycle or motor-driven cycle coverage—Intended victims.Vigentecitada en 2 de nuestros artículos
(1) "Underinsured motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle with respect to the ownership, maintenance, or use of which either no bodily injury or property damage liability bond or insurance policy applies at the time of an accident, or with respect to which the sum of the limits of liability under all bodily injury or property damage liability bonds and insurance policies applicable to a covered person after an accident is less than the applicable damages which the covered person is legally entitled to recover.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 280 opiniones judiciales1970s: 241980s: 601990s: 972000s: 472010s: 292020s: 23Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: Clements v. Travelers Indemnity Co. (Washington Supreme Court 1993, 121 Wash. 2d 243) · Touchette v. Northwestern Mutual Insurance (Washington Supreme Court 1972, 80 Wash. 2d 327) · Britton v. Safeco Insurance Co. of America (Washington Supreme Court 1985, 104 Wash. 2d 518)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

§ 9A.20.021Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after.Vigentecitada en 3 de nuestros artículos
(1) Felony. Unless a different maximum sentence for a classified felony is specifically established by a statute of this state, no person convicted of a classified felony shall be punished by confinement or fine exceeding the following: (a) For a class A felony, by confinement in a state correctional institution for a term of life imprisonment, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of fifty thousand dollars, or by both such confinement and fine; (b) For a class B felony, by confinement in a state correctional institution for a term of ten years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of twenty thousand dollars, or by both such confinement and fine; (c) For a class C felony, by confinement in a state correctional institution for five years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of ten thousand dollars, or by both such confinement and fine. (2) Gross misdemeanor.

Texto oficial (extracto) · al 2026-07-29 · Lea la sección completa en app.leg.wa.gov

Citada en 505 opiniones judiciales1980s: 101990s: 392000s: 852010s: 2212020s: 150Aplicada por un tribunal por última vez: 2026

Casos destacados: State v. Manussier (Washington Supreme Court 1996, 129 Wash. 2d 652) · State v. Ritchie (Washington Supreme Court 1995, 126 Wash. 2d 388) · State v. Anderson (Washington Supreme Court 2000, 141 Wash. 2d 357)

Identificado automáticamente a partir de las opiniones judiciales que citan esta sección; no es un ranking de qué caso prevalece.

Busque en nuestro registro completo de la ley de EE. UU.: 2.1 millones de secciones, todos los estados y la ley federal

Fuentes y referencias

  1. RCW 46.52.020: Obligación en caso de lesión personal, muerte o daño a un vehículo atendido u otra propiedad(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  2. RCW 46.52.010: Obligación al golpear un vehículo desatendido u otra propiedad(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  3. RCW 46.52.030: Reportes de accidentes(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  4. RCW 9A.20.021: Sentencias máximas para delitos cometidos a partir del 1 de julio de 1984(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  5. RCW 46.20.285: Delitos que requieren revocación(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  6. RCW 9A.04.080: Plazo de prescripción de acciones(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  7. RCW 46.61.520: Homicidio vehicular(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  8. RCW 46.61.024: Intento de eludir un vehículo policial(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  9. RCW 48.22.030: Cobertura por motorista con seguro insuficiente, atropello y fuga y vehículo fantasma(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  10. RCW 46.20.342: Conducir con la licencia invalidada(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
  11. DOL de Washington: Atropello y fuga de un vehículo ocupado(dol.wa.gov).gov
  12. WTSC: Cifras preliminares de muertes de tráfico de 2024(wtsc.wa.gov).gov
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