Hit and Run Incident Causes Pedestrian Death in Arden Arcade
A hit and run crash caused a pedestrian fatality in Arden Arcade on December 1 along northbound Watt Avenue. It was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that the accident happened at around 12:26 in the morning just north of Marconi Avenue. The pedestrian was seriously injured and found lying in the street where emergency responders performed CPR on the individual. However, the patient was declared dead at 12:38 a.m. at the accident scene. The driver who struck and killed the man fled from the crash site. The Sacramento County Coroner’s office later identified the deceased pedestrian as Matthew Wood, age 35.
Police Seek Information on Fleeing Driver
It was reported by an individual with the Sacramento Fire Department that the hit and run vehicle may have been a white Chevrolet El Camino. However, evidence at the scene pointed to a 2012 to 2015 Dodge Challenger. The northbound lanes of Watt Avenue were completely closed in the area of the crash while an investigation ensued. Although police searched the area nearby, neither the driver nor the vehicle was located. Police have announced they are seeking a white Dodge Challenger that fits the description that may have damage on the front end and a broken headlight. The accident is being investigated by the CHP to determine how it occurred.
Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one is never easy. If that person dies due to the negligence of another person, it is even harder. Family members and friends are at the front lines of offering help during such periods. Some ways to help are:
- Understand that everyone grieves in their own way, and let the person rely on you to listen.
- Ask for a grocery list or bring meals to the house to make sure that this basic need is being cared for.
- Help with funeral arrangements. They are often very difficult for a grieving person.
- Don’t stay away after the services are completed. Coming home to an empty house is often a daunting experience.
Hit and Run Accidents
It is illegal to strike another vehicle or property and leave the scene of the crash. It is considered a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances and carries heavy penalties. Yet, hit and run accidents are happening more frequently in Sacramento and in California in general. So, the question is why do drivers leave the scene of an accident. Some reasons are:
- The driver is intoxicated.
- A warrant has been issued for the driver’s arrest.
- Drugs are in the vehicle, or the driver is impaired.
- The driver panics and leaves.
- The vehicle does not have insurance.
- The driver does not have an active license.
Damages in a Hit and Run Accident
Normally, the driver or their insurance will pay for the damages an injured person suffers, such as medical expenses, wage loss or pain and suffering, as well as end-of life expenses if the person dies. However, when the driver leaves the scene, an important question people ask is who will pay for the costs. One way to do this is to use your own uninsured/underinsured car insurance protection. This coverage is offered to every driver in the state. If they choose to take it, they will be covered if the other driver lacks car insurance. So will the other passengers in the vehicle along with family members. It also covers accidents while walking and cycling. If you lack uninsured motorist protection and another family member living with you has it, you can use their coverage. There is no increase in premiums when this coverage is used.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
At our firm, we deplore the uptick in hit and run crashes. We help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve in such incidents. Initially, we send our investigative team to the site of the accident to look for evidence that proves the hit and run driver was at fault. They interview witnesses and obtain any available video footage from traffic surveillance and security cameras on nearby businesses and homes. We also review police reports for accuracy since they play a vital part in the case. Once the data has been amassed, we give it our legal team to build a strong case for our client.
Arden Arcade Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Arden Arcade wrongful death lawyer. I can help you when you have been injured by a hit and run driver. Just call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped numerous clients in the Sacramento area since 1982 in car accidents of all types, traumatic injuries, and wrongful death cases, among others.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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