Foothill Farms Hit and Run Accident
A five-vehicle crash involving a Foothill Farms hit and run occurred on February 11 along eastbound Greenback Lane. The accident happened shortly after 6:00 p.m. just east of Garfield Avenue, according to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). All lanes were blocked. Among the vehicles involved in the Foothill Farms hit and run crash was a silver Pontiac, a Toyota Yaris, and a Ford Flex.
Accident Details
Emergency responders from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the scene to offer aid, and it was determined that an ambulance was required. At least one individual was transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. One of the vehicles involved in the collision left the scene of the accident without stopping to exchange information and offer medical assistance. The Foothill Farms hit and run accident is under investigation by the CHP to determine the cause.
Driver Obligations
Drivers are obligated to remain at the scene of an accident by law. Fleeing an accident scene can result in serious charges and penalties. For the most part, hit and runs are charged as a misdemeanor if a stationary object is involved or the accident was a fender bender. However, if it resulted in injuries or the death of another person, it is charged as a felony. This is true whether or not the fleeing motor vehicle operator caused the accident.
Why Do Drivers Flee?
Frequently, a driver will leave the scene if they are under the influence of alcohol or do not have a license or insurance. If injuries were involved or if it was a major accident, it is necessary to remain until police have arrived. Even if a minor collision occurred, it is important to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Sometimes, particularly when a driver hits a stationary object that is unattended, it is difficult to personally exchange information. In such cases, the driver will not be charged with a hit and run if a note with their information is left in a prominent place at the scene.
Civil Penalties for a Hit and Run Accident
In addition to the criminal charges associated with a hit and run accident, civil claims may be lodged against the errant driver. A formal lawsuit may request that monetary compensation be paid for medical bills, lost time from work and other costs the injured driver suffers. In some cases, because the driver left the scene of the crash, the judge may allow punitive damages under California Civil Code § 3294. This type of damage is levied to punish the defendant for his or her egregious and reckless behavior. The Foothill Farms hit and run driver may also lose insurance coverage or have rates drastically increased.
Ways to Avoid Hit and Run Charges
Drivers must do the following to avoid hit and run charges:
- Remain at the accident site.
- Exchange information with the other driver or property owner. This consists of a name, additional contact information, insurance and registration numbers, and the owner’s name if the driver has borrowed the vehicle.
- Call for help if someone was injured or killed in the accident by calling 911.
- Contact the DMV within 10 days if someone was injured or died or if property damage cost $1,000 or more.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help
It is necessary to identify the driver who left the scene. An injury lawyer can help to investigate the crash by using clues left at the accident site. For instance, witnesses and the injured driver may remember important information such as a partial or complete license plate number, the color of the fleeing vehicle or distinguishing attributes of the driver. Stickers attached to the vehicle are also important. Distinguishing marks left on the damaged vehicle such as paint smears that can identify the hit and run car are essential. Manufacturers often use specific colors on particular models.
Foothill Farms Auto Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Foothill Farms auto accident lawyer. Injury due to the negligence of another driver is devastating, both physically and financially. If this has happened to you, you can benefit from the help of a personal injury attorney. Call me at (916) 921-6400, or use my toll-free line (800) 404-5400 to contact me for free and friendly advice. You can also use our convenient online form found on my website, AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped numerous individuals in the Foothill Farms area and the rest of Northern California to get the compensation they deserve in all sorts of motor vehicle accidents, wrongful deaths, pedestrian, and other traumatic injuries.
I am honored to belong to two organizations. One is the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which allows members who provide legal excellence in their practice. This is given to one percent of lawyers nationwide. The other is the Million Dollar Advocates. This forum provides inclusion into the group only to those who have won more than $1 million for a client.
If you would like more information about my practice, check out the following pages:
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