Hit and Run Crash in Antelope
A hit and run collision between two vehicles in Antelope resulted in injuries on November 14. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as occurring along westbound Elverta Road just west of Watt Avenue at around 1:30 in the afternoon. Police discovered a Toyota Prius facing in the wrong direction and blocking westbound Elverta Road in the turn lane. It was reported by the Sacramento Fire Department that a Mercedes that collided with the Prius fled west on Elverta Road following the collision. The CHP is investigating to determine how the accident happened and to locate the fleeing driver. At this time, there is no information as to whether drugs or alcohol were involved or the severity of the person’s injuries.
Hit and Run Drivers
Hit and run drivers may or may not be responsible, but by leaving the scene of the accident, they are guilty of a hit and run charge. In California, whether you caused the accident or not, you need to stay at the scene, provide contact and other information and help the other person if possible by calling 911 if they are injured. The seriousness of the hit and run charges depends on how severely the other driver was hurt or if they died in the crash. A driver can also be charged with a hit and run if property was damaged.
How to Identify a Fleeing Driver
You’d be surprised at the number of clues that are usually left behind at an accident site. The injured party may have recognized the make and model of the car, its color, and decals affixed to it. The fleeing driver may have recognizable features or tattoos that can help identify him or her. Paint might be found on the damaged vehicle left behind that can be used to identify the manufacturer of the car or truck that fled. In some cases, the driver or witnesses might remember the license plate number or even a fragment of it that can be used to track the vehicle.
Who Pays for Damages When There Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A common question is who will pay for the damages. If the hit and run driver is apprehended, they will. However, on occasion, the driver cannot be located. That does not mean that the injured party will have to pay for their medical bills, lost wages and other damages themself. If the injured party has uninsured/underinsured insurance as part of their auto policy, their coverage will take care of the losses. Alternately, if the injured party does not have uninsured coverage and a family member who lives with them does, it will be covered by their car insurance policy. This will not cause an increase in the holder’s premium. Uninsured insurance also covers a person who is walking or bicycling as well as when they are driving.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
In our firm, we do everything we can to help apprehend the runaway driver. If not, we use our experience in this type of accident to obtain the compensation our client needs and deserves. In order to do this, we must also prove that the fleeing driver or another party caused the accident. This is done by accumulating evidence that supports this premise. We dispatch our investigative team to the scene of the crash as soon as we have been retained. Our investigators interview witnesses, look for clues as to the identity of the driver, and review police reports for accuracy. We also obtain video footage from traffic surveillance cameras, witnesses, and nearby businesses. Our investigators also canvass the area to see if there are other community members who may have information about the crash. Once this data is accumulated, our investigative team releases it to our legal team, who use it to build a solid case in our client’s favor.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. My staff and I can help when you are in an accident. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
I am pleased to say that I belong to the following organizations, among others:
I’ve helped many clients in the Sacramento area with all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, wrongful deaths, and other trauma.
Learn more about my practice by going to the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crime-scene-do-not-cross-signage-923681/
:cd llo [cs 765]