Waterton Way Intersection Collision Causes Hospitalization of Injured Pedestrian
A pedestrian hit-and-run accident occurred in Sacramento on August 13 that sent the injured walker to a local hospital. The accident happened shortly after 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Waterton Way and La Riviera Drive near the area of La Riviera. The incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the collision blocked the roadway.
Authorities Searching for Hit-and-Run Vehicle After Pedestrian Accident
The suspect vehicle left the scene of the intersection collision and was reported as an older gold or silver Nissan. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department transported the injured patient to UC Davis Medical Center, but no information was released on the seriousness of the injuries the pedestrian suffered. The CHP is investigating the hit-and-run accident to determine how it occurred and is actively searching for the suspect vehicle and driver.
Locating a Hit-and-Run Driver
Over the years, we’ve been successful in locating a number of hit-and-run drivers. In addition to working with local authorities, some of the areas in which we search for evidence as to the vehicle and driver include:
- Our investigators go to the accident scene right away to gather evidence about the fleeing driver before it is covered up or disappears when traffic restarts. In some cases, dropped pieces of metal from the vehicle or paint marks are valuable tools in identifying the make and model of the vehicle.
- They perform forensic reconstruction of the crash, which can indicate how the pedestrian hit-and-run happened.
- Any witnesses to the hit-and-run are interviewed to gather descriptions of the vehicle and driver. In some cases, a witness videotaped the accident on their cell phone or can recall at least a portion of the license plate number.
- The collision report filed by the responding police is checked to see what information they have as well as to look for errors.
- Any traffic cameras in the area are examined to see if they captured the hit-and-run on tape. Live video provides good evidence of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian, and in some cases, the face of the driver can be seen.
Once the driver is located, the gathered evidence is compiled into a strong case for our client’s claim. It can then be used either in negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company or in civil court if necessary.
Insurance for Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers
In cases where the hit-and-run driver cannot be found, the injured party can use their uninsured/underinsured auto policy to cover their expenses associated with the accident. This type of coverage is always offered to drivers when they purchase auto insurance, and many people in Northern California opt into this add-on policy. This is because of the high number of drivers who either have no insurance or are underinsured.
If the injured pedestrian does not have this insurance policy but someone else in the home does, their insurance can be used to recover damages. Using the policy does not affect the rates in the future. An injury lawyer can provide arbitration for you to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Hit and runs happen far too often in the Sacramento area and leave pedestrians with serious trauma. If this happens, call us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. An online contact form to message us is available too.
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My legal team and I have helped those injured through another’s negligent actions obtain the compensation they deserve since 1982 for all types of traffic accidents, negligence cases against a government entity, wrongful deaths, and more.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/pedestrians-people-busy-movement-400811/
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