Rancho Cordova Hit and Run Driver Hospitalized
A fender bender in Rancho Cordova on May 18 ended up leaving 10,000 customers without power in a hit and run collision. The accident happened at about 6:00 in the morning along eastbound Folsom Boulevard near Butterfield Way during periods of heavy rain, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Police believe the motorist was attempting to flee the scene of the fender bender when the blue Nissan Versa hydroplaned. The driver was transported by emergency responders to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Hit and Run Driver Strikes Power Pole
Hydroplaning caused the vehicle to turn around backward into the opposing lane, where it struck a power pole, landing in a ditch near the railroad track. The vehicle lost its engine in the roadway when it hit the power pole. Wires kept the power pole from falling, although it was sheared off; however, one line was crossing the road and endangering motorists. Power in the area was completely blacked out as a result.
Folsom Boulevard Closed to Repair Power Pole and Downed Lines
The road closure was expected to last for at least three hours as SMUD workers repaired the pole and lines. They restored the power to almost all the customers by 8:00 a.m. Alcohol or drug consumption has not been ruled out by investigators dealing with the crash.
Investigation of a Hit and Run
My office is experienced in investigating hit and run collisions and is often successful in locating the driver. Some of the ways our investigators handle this is:
- They examine the police report and talk to witnesses to see if any identifying information was found to locate the hit and run driver or vehicle.
- Traffic surveillance or business cameras may have captured the hit and run driver accident on tape.
- Our office works with the police to track down the negligent motorist, including identifying damage to the vehicle.
- The investigators look for clues as to the make and model of the vehicle, which can include paint smears or broken parts.
- Accident reconstruction can be helpful by using tire tread marks to narrow down the type of vehicle.
How to Collect Damages
When the driver has been located, they may be held financially responsible for the injuries to others. However, if the driver is not located, there are additional ways an injured person can collect those damages. They can be used to pay the medical costs and lost wages suffered. A lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases can be helpful in locating ways that an injured person can obtain compensation. In my office, we strongly believe that no injured person should be financially liable for the injuries caused by another motorist or negligent person.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers a driver or any passengers in a vehicle if the accident was caused by someone else. This type of coverage is offered to all California drivers as an option. If the person who was injured does not carry coverage for uninsured drivers, it is possible to use the insurance if another member of the household has it. The person holding this optional insurance will not see their rates go up if it is used.
Rancho Cordova Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer. The complexity of traffic collisions means that it’s important to have legal representation to get the compensation you deserve when you were injured. Call me at (916) 921-6400 from Rancho Cordova or (800) 404-5400 from outside the area. Some prefer to contact me by using the online form.
I’ve helped Rancho Cordova residents for over 38 years to help them get fair compensation for their accident injuries. I handle all kinds of traffic accidents to cases involving government claims and wrongful deaths.
I am a California member of:
At the following links, you will find more information about my law firm:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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