Driver Arrested for Stockton Hit and Run Accidents
A driver of a white Dodge Ram pickup truck wanted in connection with multiple hit and run accidents in Stockton, CA, was arrested on May 18th, 2020. The Dodge driver, a 40-year-old man, is facing eight charges. Some of which included driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run, and others, according to the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office. The charges stemmed from a series of incidents that occurred over two days. On May 17th, the man was driving his Dodge when he crashed into a Mercedes-Benz carrying several occupants. He reportedly fled the scene and the driver of the Mercedes-Benz reported the incident and provided a description of the suspect vehicle to the Stockton Police Department. Several other cars were allegedly hit by the Dodge as well. Local authorities tracked down the Dodge the next day and set up surveillance in the area. They observed the suspect entering the vehicle, attempted to conduct a traffic stop, and later detained him after a brief pursuit. Details regarding the number of parties injured in the hit and run accidents he caused was not immediately available.
Does Insurance Cover Hit and Runs Accidents?
When a driver causes a car accident and attempts to flee the scene, this is their way of escaping financial accountability for their negligent actions. If the other motorist and their passengers were injured in the crash, it may be challenging to track down the at-fault party if police are unable to. Fortunately, people affected by such situations may be able to use their car insurance to cover losses incurred. This is a viable option, so long as they have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM). This type of insurance allows injured people the opportunity to recover economic and noneconomic damages the other driver has caused them to suffer. This includes:
- Any medical bills for treatment related to the traffic collision, such as ambulance rides, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, therapy, and so on;
- Anticipated or future medical treatment and expenses, such as future surgeries or long-term care;
- Lost wages for time missed at work to recover from injuries suffered in the car crash;
- Loss of earning capacity due to the severity of the car accident injury;
- Mental anguish or distress, like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety and;
- Pain and suffering, including physical and mental trauma.
Evidence for Proving a Driver Caused a Stockton Hit and Run Accident
You must be able to present a compelling personal injury case before you can recover compensation for the damages listed above. Without a strong personal injury claim that proves the other driver was at-fault for the accident, injuries, and losses incurred, you may miss out on the financial compensation you deserve. To do so, you must collect and preserve evidence that identifies the hit and run driver. This includes parts strewn from the suspect vehicle, police reports, surveillance of the accident scene, license plate number, and more. If the suspect is not found, you must at least prove that a hit and run occurred to your vehicle, and you suffered injuries as a result for consideration of UM benefits from your insurance company. To learn more about UM coverage, watch the video below.
Should You Get a Personal Injury Attorney for a Hit and Run Accident?
Filing a personal injury case after a car accident may be challenging. This is especially true in the case of a hit and run. Your Stockton personal injury lawyer will need to conduct an independent investigation of the accident, collect evidence to identify the hit and run driver and prepare a strong case for compensation. If the driver responsible for the hit and run cannot be located, your injury lawyer will explore other options for recovery, such as your uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance company owes you a duty of good faith when it comes to compensating you for your losses. At AutoAccident.com, we know how to overcome the defense tactics first-party insurance companies use to get out of paying an uninsured motorist claim and holding them to their duty of good faith. If all attempts at a fair settlement for your case fail outside of court, we will take it to trial, if necessary.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Hit and run accidents can be stressful, especially when dealing with property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Insurance companies, including your own, are focused on their bottom line and do not truly care about you and your situation. That is why you need an experienced injury attorney you can rely on to work on your behalf to secure the fair compensation to which you are entitled. If you or a loved one has been injured after a hit and run in Stockton, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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At AutoAccident.com, we understand how life-changing car accidents can be and are committed to ensuring that each client we represent receives the financial recovery they need to move forward with their life. Should you decide to work with our Stockton personal injury law firm, you can feel rest assured knowing that your case is in good hands. To see the results we have obtained for others injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “FsHH” via Pixabay
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