Cyclist Injured in Sacramento Hit and Run
A hit and run collision on November 17 in Sacramento injured a bicycle rider. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident happened near the intersection of 47th Avenue and Lang Avenue shortly after 6:00 in the evening. The bicycle rider was struck and left lying in the roadway. An expedite order was issued to emergency responders in response to the rider’s injuries. The roadway was blocked as police investigated the crash, and emergency responders evaluated the injured person. A hit and run accident that results in injuries is often charged as a felony. There is no word yet as to the severity of the injuries suffered by the cyclist. The driver of the motor vehicle fled the scene, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are all too common in Sacramento, and pedestrians and cyclists bear the brunt of it. Since it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, many people wonder why it continues to occur. Some of the reasons are:
- Drunk driver: Impaired drivers are afraid to stop because they are worried they will be tested for alcohol use. By leaving the scene, they avoid that, and by the time they are apprehended, their blood alcohol level will be negative. What they fail to realize is that drunk driving will be replaced by leaving the scene of the accident. Either way, the driver will be charged with a crime.
- Drugs on board: Similar to avoiding a drunk driving charge, some drivers have drugs in the vehicle or have used them. The same logic is used as above, but once again, a hit and run accident is illegal.
- Panic: After a car accident, some drivers panic. Instead of remaining at the scene of the accident, they flee to avoid responsibility.
- Previous tickets or warrants: Some drivers have had previous accidents, and their license has points against it. Others might have warrants against them. In order to avoid more problems, they might flee.
- Uninsured drivers: Without insurance, a driver’s license and registration can be affected. In order to hide this infraction, many drivers leave the scene of the accident.
Paying for Damages
People wonder who will pay for the damages the accident caused if the driver flees. In the event that the fleeing driver is not apprehended, there are other ways to do this. Drivers in California are offered uninsured/underinsured motorist protection when they obtain car insurance. If the offer is not accepted, the driver needs to sign a waiver. If a person injured in a hit and run accident has uninsured protection, they can use it to pay for damages. Even if the injured party is cycling or walking, they are still covered. If the injured party does not have uninsured motorist protection, they can be covered if a family member living with them has it. Either way, the premium will not rise if it is used for a hit and run accident.
What an Attorney Can Do
At our firm, we dispatch our investigators to the accident site. They search for evidence to prove who was at fault. If a fleeing driver was involved, they also look for identifying clues. Our investigative team interview witnesses, obtain video footage of the accident and review police records for inaccuracies. Once this information is accumulated, they release it to our lawyers who use it when building a strong case for our client.
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento bicycle accident lawyer. A bicycle injury is often serious, especially if the rider was struck by a motor vehicle or truck. I have free and friendly advice to offer if you call me at (916) 921-6400. Other Northern Californians can reach me at (800) 404-5400 free of charge, or contact me by filling out the online form.
I’ve been a personal injury lawyer for Sacramento and surrounding areas of Northern California since 1982. During those years, I’ve helped many injured people obtain fair compensation in all manners of traffic accidents, cases of wrongful death, and traumatic injuries.
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Please check out the links at Avvo, Yelp, and Google to look over cases handled by my firm and a list of some we have handled on our Settlements and Verdicts page.
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