Accident on Interstate 5 by Hit-and-Run Driver Causes Injuries
A hit-and-run car accident occurred in Elk Grove on October 9 that left multiple people injured. The accident was reported at Interstate 5 southbound just north of the Laguna Boulevard exit ramp. The Sacramento Fire Department and officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a call about an accident involving a Mercedes Benz.
The car was reported as traveling at more than 75 mph when it struck two other vehicles, a pickup truck and Toyota Camry. According to the police report, the Mercedes ran into gravel that had been reportedly dumped in a construction area. Whether this contributed to the accident was not reported. All the vehicles blocked the traffic in the number one lane of the interstate while first responders assessed the injuries, and an investigation was conducted by the CHP. The fleeing driver and vehicle are being sought by authorities.
Dangers of Construction Zones
Speeding and construction zones are a dangerous combination. Drivers are expected to stay alert, slow down, and avoid any actions that might endanger themselves and those who are working in the area.
Construction Company Liability
Construction companies performing roadwork are required to make the area safe for motorists who are passing through. Failure to do so makes the company or entity liable for injuries in an accident. The following are examples of how a company or entity can be negligent:
- Missing or unclear detour signs that confuse the driver
- Construction equipment blocking the path that motorists have to pass through
- Lack of proper maintenance along the route such as loose gravel or lumber, which can endanger a passing motorist
- Lanes that are too narrow or lack arrows on the route the driver should take
- Signs, traffic cones, and other equipment that is too close for a vehicle to pass safely
Investigating a Hit-and-Run Crash
My office has a high record of success in locating a fleeing driver. This is done by performing our investigation and working with local police. The collection of evidence is important to support a client’s claim for personal injury damages. Our investigators do the following, among others where evidence might be found:
- The police report is looked over to ensure its accuracy in the hit-and-run.
- Accident reconstruction is carried out because it can point to the circumstances that led to the negligent driver’s accident and point toward their fault.
- Road maintenance is checked to see if obstructions are in the road and lighting is inadequate.
- The government entity responsible for the area’s maintenance and operation may be liable in these cases and held responsible for any injuries.
- Traffic surveillance tapes are looked for from roadways and lights because they may have captured the hit-and-run accident.
If the Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Located
There is still another option for a person injured by a hit-and-run driver to collect the compensation they deserve. This is through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
This type of optional coverage is offered when a motorist elects to take car insurance. If the injured person does not carry this optional insurance and another member of the household does, that policy can be used to pay for the injury damages. It does not make the insurance rate go up. An experienced lawyer can help you file for compensation to help arbitrate on the client’s behalf and ensure that the process will go smoothly.
Elk Grove Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove car accident lawyer. When a negligent motorist injures you, you may place a claim for compensation to pay for your expenses and reimburse you for the pain and suffering. Get in touch with me for my free and friendly advice today at (916) 694-0002 or (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available also.
I’ve assisted Elk Grove residents in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries caused by negligent motorists or other entities since 1982. Although I specialize in car accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful deaths, I handle other types of cases.
Please use the following links to learn more about the way I’ve resolved previous cases and what my prior clients have to say:
I’m a proud member of the organizations listed below, among others:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
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