Pedestrian Injured in Hit and Run Collision at Crossroads of Elkhorn Boulevard and 34th Street
A hit and run accident with injuries occurred near the New Testament Baptist Church in North Highlands on June 25. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the hit and run accident occurred at 8:23 in the morning at the crossroads of Elkhorn Boulevard and 34th Street. The CHP said the accident involved a pedestrian who was found lying near the church. They said the injured party was cognizant of their surroundings and informed authorities that a vehicle was involved. The fleeing vehicle was unidentified. The investigation into the hit and run accident is in progress.
Hit and Run Accidents
Nationwide, the number of hit and run accidents has increased in the last decade. This is also true of California, where it has been called an epidemic in recent years. This puts a strain on law enforcement to try to catch the high number of hit and run drivers. That is why our law firm assigns our investigators to ascertain the identity of the fleeing driver using techniques we have developed over the years, such as accident reconstruction.
Why Are There So Many Hit and Run Accidents?
The penalties for a hit and run accident are high and can include jail time and fines. Because of this, it would seem that drivers would remain at the scene of the crash. We list some common reasons why drivers decide to flee the scene of the accident:
- Impaired drivers: A driver who is drunk or under the influence of drugs may leave the scene of an accident to avoid charges of driving under the influence. If the driver had a previous conviction, the chances are high that they will try to avoid being caught and face the higher penalties associated with a second DUI offense. On some occasions, the impaired hit and run driver will wait until the amount of alcohol or drugs in their body is gone to turn themselves in. This is especially true when the driver knows that evidence left at the accident site is capable of incriminating them.
- Drivers with traffic tickets or a warrant: A driver with outstanding warrants will flee the scene rather than be arrested when the police check their driver’s license. In some cases, the driver has unpaid, prior traffic tickets. If apprehended, they face arrest and increased insurance rates and points on their driver’s license.
- Uninsured drivers; A driver who lacks proper insurance often chooses to leave the scene of an accident. By staying, they risk criminal charges and fines as well as losing their ability to drive. Since millions of people in California drive uninsured, the increase in hit and run accidents is clear.
- Panic: Some drivers panic when they are involved in a hit and run. Fleeing drivers who do this often turn themselves in after they have had time to think about it.
Legal Help After a Hit and Run Accident
At our firm, we take a comprehensive look at our client’s situation. The first thing we do is send our investigators to the scene of the crash. There, they look for evidence of fault and work to find clues as to the hit and run driver’s identity. We speak to witnesses that may have seen the accident happen and who could describe the fleeing vehicle and the driver. We send our investigators to talk to residents who live around the accident site since many drivers who flee often reside near the crash scene.
If the accident happened near an intersection, we obtain traffic surveillance camera footage to see the crash in real-time. Our investigators also review police reports for mistakes.
Once the evidence is compiled, our lawyers incorporate it into a strong case for our client. In the event the driver cannot be located, we discuss the use of uninsured insurance with our client. This add-on to auto insurance can be used to pay medical bills and cover lost wages. Even if our client lacks this coverage, he or she can use uninsured insurance held by a family member. There is never an increase in premiums when it is used correctly.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Let me help you by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online if you wish.
I’ve helped many Sacramentans obtain compensation in wrongful deaths, auto accidents, and traumatic injuries, among others.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/people-woman-pedestrian-urban-city-2587100/
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