Multiple-Vehicle Crash Involves Hit and Run Driver
A hit and run driver caused a multiple-vehicle collision in Sacramento on May 14 along US 50 westbound, which resulted in at least one injury. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) just before 1:00 p.m. at the Stockton Boulevard exit ramp. Six vehicles were involved, blocking the number two, three and four lanes. A SigAlert was issued to warn traffic to avoid the area, which was in force for more than half an hour.
A witness reported that the collision may have been caused by a Ford CVC that was speeding at more than 100 mph prior to the accident and driving recklessly. The individual in that vehicle exited at Stockton Boulevard and ran away from the truck on foot. At least three of the vehicles involved in the collision had to be towed from the scene. The CHP is investigating to determine what happened. Although injuries were reported in the fleeing driver accident, no information was released on the extent of the trauma or number of persons.
Locating a Hit and Run Driver
Our office has the experience and ability to locate a hit and run driver in many cases. While we investigate, we work closely with police and other authorities to locate the fleeing vehicle. However, this is not possible in all cases, but there are other options available to a person who was injured and faces mounting bills.
Using Insurance to Cover Expenses
In California, all motorists are offered uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage, which is optional. This type of insurance covers your injuries and those of anyone else riding in the car, if another driver is negligent and causes an accident. It also provides coverage if the at-fault motorist does not carry enough insurance to cover the injured person’s expenses. If the injured motorist does not carry the optional policy for an uninsured motorist but another family member living in the household does, their insurance can be used. The use of this insurance does not increase the premium.
How an Accident Is Investigated
The collection of evidence in a case is important for an injured person to obtain the compensation they deserve. This is where an experienced lawyer can be of great help. Our investigators are thorough in collecting evidence, including in the following areas:
- Interviewing witnesses to obtain their statements
- Reviewing the report by the police to look for mistakes
- Collecting video footage of the hit and run accident that was caught by traffic surveillance and business cameras
- Performing accident reconstruction that uncovers forensic evidence showing the positioning of the vehicles before the accident occurred and demonstrating how it happened
- Looking for clues to the identity of the hit and run driver such as paint smears that can indicate the model and make of the car
Our lawyers go to work when the evidence is gathered to build a case. It can be used in insurance company negotiations on behalf of the client. Since not all insurance companies will agree to pay the amount the client deserves or the at-fault party is uninsured, the evidence can also be used when presenting a case in civil court.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. When injuries result from a traffic accident caused by a negligent driver, a claim may be placed against the at-fault party to pay for the loss. For my free and friendly advice, get in touch with me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 long-distance. Others prefer to contact me online.
Cases handled by my firm and client comments are found at these links:
I’ve worked hard to obtain compensation for those who suffered injuries in traffic collisions since 1982. Some of the types of cases I handle include wrongful deaths, car accidents and traumatic injuries.
The Million Dollar Forum and National Association of Distinguished Counsel are two groups I belong to.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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