OLYMPIA, Thurston County, Wash., Oct. 10, 2026 — A pedestrian was critically injured on Friday afternoon, October 9, when a driver struck them and fled the scene near 7th Avenue SE and Plum Street SE.
The Olympia Police Department and Olympia Fire Department responded to the intersection and found the pedestrian down at the scene. The person's condition has not been released, though the crash is reportedly serious enough that the vehicle involved left visible damage behind.
The police described the suspect vehicle as a tan 1995 Lincoln Town Car missing its license plate, and said it may be missing one or both headlight covers as a result of the collision. The car was last seen heading toward I-5. No description of the driver has been released.
Southbound lanes of Plum Street SE at Legion Way were closed while crews worked the scene. The Olympia Police Department said the search for the vehicle and driver is ongoing, and anyone with information has been asked to come forward.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Where Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs Tend to Happen
Pedestrian crashes cluster on a predictable set of roads: wide arterials with multiple travel lanes, few marked crossings, and speed limits above 30 mph. These streets are built to move cars efficiently, and that same design makes it harder for a driver to see someone stepping off a curb, especially at dusk or in the dark.
Intersections without signals or with limited lighting carry extra risk because drivers and pedestrians are both relying on judgment rather than a clear signal to decide who moves first. Hit-and-runs are more common in these settings too, in part because lower traffic volume and less lighting make it easier for a driver to leave without being identified.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That pattern reflects where people and vehicles share the same stretches of road most commonly, not just where speeds are highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Try to note the vehicle's description, direction of travel, and any identifying details, and ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers are required to yield only when it's safe to do so. Both parties share responsibility for watching for each other.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road before turning, and avoiding distractions are the basics. Visibility matters most at night and in bad weather, when pedestrians are harder to spot.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries are frequent in these crashes, since pedestrians have no protection from the impact. Severity usually depends on vehicle speed at the time of the collision.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Olympia, WA
If you witness a pedestrian crash in Olympia, call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless they're in immediate danger. Stay on scene if it's safe, since witness accounts are usually critical in hit-and-run investigations.
Anyone involved, even peripherally, should seek a medical evaluation soon afterward, since some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding aren't obvious right away. File a report with police and keep records of any treatment, in case questions come up later about what happened.
