Hit and Run Driver Critically Injures Pedestrian in Sacramento
A hit and run driver seriously injured a pedestrian crossing the street in Sacramento recently before fleeing the scene of the accident. Authorities reported that the condition of the pedestrian is critical. According to the Sacramento Police Department, the accident happened at about 2:30 in the afternoon at the intersection of North 16th and McCormack Avenue, which connects the downtown area to Highway 160. The hit and run driver who caused the injury faces felony hit and run charges in the incident.
Details of the Accident
A local businessman said that he heard the crash. Witnesses and multiple bystanders reported that they spotted the vehicle driving along North 16th, and that the motorist circled back before striking the walker and fleeing the scene. The police closed down this section of 16th Street while an investigation ensued. The pedestrian who was critically injured was familiar to local residents, who said it was common to see that person in the area.
What a Sacramento Attorney Can Do for You
Pedestrians are vulnerable mainly because they lack the protective shield automobiles provide. Being struck by a hit and run driver compounds the injured person’s vulnerability. Our firm dispatches an investigative team to scour the accident site for evidence as to the driver’s identity. We have developed techniques that are useful in this endeavor. We also obtain video footage of the accident. This is critical since it shows the make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle and in some cases, the license plate. We also interview witnesses that may have seen the hit and run driver. Once this information is collected, we turn it over to our attorneys. They use it to structure a solid case against the defendant.
Hit and Run Driver
A fleeing driver is one who leaves the scene of an accident. The crash can involve another vehicle, bicyclist, pedestrian, or a stationary object. The driver is obligated to stop, identify themselves, and administer aid if needed. In California, a hit and run can occur in a parking lot as well as on a highway or urban street. A hit and run can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation.
Things You Can Do at the Scene
If you are able, there are a few things you can do to collect the following information from witnesses at the scene of the accident, including:
- Write down everything you can remember about the crash. For instance, where the vehicle came from and where it was heading after the accident. This information can be used to help apprehend the driver.
- Jot down the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you saw the license plate number, be sure to write that down too. The latter entry is usable even if you only remember part of the number.
- Try to remember any physical characteristics of the driver. It is amazing what you can remember if you try. Report any scars, tattoos, or other identifying marks.
- Note if the car had stickers on it. Many vehicles do.
- Look around to see if there are witnesses. If possible, get their contact information and give it to your attorney.
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible.
Damages After a Hit and Run Driver Accident
If you are injured in a hit and run accident, one question looms large. Who is going to pay for your injuries if the phantom driver is unknown? Insurance companies in the state must offer you uninsured/underinsured coverage. In California, when filing a claim against the hit and run driver, the injured party can use their own uninsured motorist insurance or that of a family member if the person owns a vehicle. This insurance will pay for injuries you suffer in a hit and run accident, even if you are riding a bike or walking. In some hit and run accidents, a pedestrian or bicyclist killed by a phantom driver might not have car insurance. If the deceased lived with a family member who does have this coverage, the wrongful death claim can be filed against their insurance company.
Another type of insurance is Medi-Pay. This option covers the cost of injuries to you and anyone in the vehicle, regardless of who was responsible for the accident. If you don’t carry uninsured motorist protection or Medi-Pay, we will delve into other options that may help. It is important to bring all insurance documents to your free case review. We will look them over and let you know what your options are.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. It is valuable to have the insight of an injury lawyer after a car accident. My local number is (916) 921-6400, or outside of the city, you can reach me at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me by using our convenient online form.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Sacramento to obtain the compensation they deserve in all varieties of hit and run and other motor vehicle accidents.
I am a member of the following two organizations:
- The Million Dollar Advocates: Members are those attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client.
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Only those attorneys who provide the highest level of legal care to a client are chosen as members.
If you would like more information about my practice, please visit the following pages:
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