Man Injured in Fresno County Hit and Run Accident
A 26-year-old Las Vegas man was injured in a hit and run accident in Fresno County on the night of January 3, 2020. The incident occurred shortly before 11:15 p.m. on Interstate 5, just north of Coalinga, CA. A man pulled his vehicle onto the shoulder of northbound I-5 to change a tire. While doing so, he was struck by an unknown vehicle that veered onto the shoulder of the highway. The car reportedly did not stop after the crash, and the injured man was transported via air ambulance to a hospital in Fresno for treatment of serious injuries. The collision is under investigation, and anyone with details is encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Coalinga Area Office.
Does Insurance Cover Fresno County Hit and Run Accidents?
Suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident may be traumatic, especially when it was caused by a hit and run driver. When you do not know who crashed into you, you may wonder who will pay for your injuries and losses. In situations like these, you may be able to use your own car insurance to have your damages covered until the suspect driver is found. This is possible if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist protection on your policy. A hit and run accident will be covered under the uninsured motorist portion of the insurance plan. If and when the negligent driver is tracked down, this type of coverage may still come into play if it has been determined that the motorist has insufficient insurance or none at all to cover damages incurred.
How Does a Personal Injury Settlement Work?
A settlement for a personal injury claim is intended to offset the financial and intangible harms suffered by an injured person. In the case of a hit and run, the case may be covered under the injured person’s uninsured motorist coverage for the following:
- Medical Expenses: The costs of necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to the pedestrian accident may be recovered. In cases involving future medical expenses for permanent injury or disability, records from a medical provider must prove that the injured person is a candidate for a future medical treatment plan. This plan will include the costs of future surgeries, prescriptions, and medical equipment needed.
- Lost Wages: When an employee misses time at work to recover from an injury suffered in a hit and run accident, that worker may be able to claim wage loss during their recovery, and any other earnings that are lost to attend a medical appointment. This must be proven through medical and employment documentation.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: In cases where a permanent injury or disability affects a person’s ability to make a living, a claim for loss of earning potential may apply. This is possible if it can be proven through expert medical testimony that the injury has placed a limitation on the individual’s course of employment, duties, and performance.
- Disfigurement: A pedestrian accident has the potential to cause disfigurement or scarring for those involved. The medical procedures necessary for revising scarring or disfigurement may not always be covered by health insurance providers, putting the injured person in a financial predicament. A Fresno personal injury lawyer has the experience and resources to send an injured party to a reputable surgeon in town to obtain an estimate of necessary cosmetic treatments and facilitate financing if needed.
- Pain and Suffering: The extent of damages for pain and suffering will vary, depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on the person’s life.
- Property Damage: If a pedestrian is injured in a hit and run, they may be able to claim property damage for personal belongings that require repair or replacement. This includes any prescription glasses, watches, or clothing that were damaged in the incident. Keep in mind that receipts for these items must be submitted to the insurance company for consideration of reimbursement.
Specific factors may affect a personal injury claim and its value. To learn what these are, watch the below video.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a person has two years from the date of an accident to file for personal injury. If a claim is brought against the uninsured motorist portion of an insurance policy for a hit and run, different deadlines may apply. This is why it is essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney from Fresno. An experienced attorney can ensure all criteria and statutory deadlines are met in your case to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. Many pedestrians are involved in collisions with motor vehicles each year. Those who survive such tragic events may experience significant emotional, physical, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by the fault of someone else, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
Our former clients have written detailed reviews of our personal injury law firm at:
I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to see a list of our past cases and their results.
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