Hit and Run Driver Abandons Car in North Highlands
A hit-and-run collision on August 6 along eastbound Interstate 80 left one person with injuries while the driver that caused the accident took off running. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), traffic was backed up for about half an hour while the accident was cleared. A message from the CHP was delivered to air operations to look for the driver. It has not yet been reported whether the hit-and-run driver was apprehended.
What Happened
The accident happened around 5:30 in the afternoon at I-80 and Greenback Lane between a Chevy Suburban and a Jeep SUV. It was reported that one of the vehicles rolled over and ended up on its roof. The vehicle of the hit-and-run driver ended up on the right-hand side of the road, where the person exited the vehicle and was reported as running westbound toward Madison.
Accident Injuries
At least one person was injured in the collision, and emergency medical treatment was requested. No further information has been released on the condition or identity of that individual.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run in California
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves an accident site before giving the other driver his or her contact information or offering assistance. If an accident is minor, the driver will stop and provide their name, address, telephone number, registration, insurance, and license information. Alternately, when someone is hurt in the accident, whether seriously or not, the driver is expected to call for help and remain at the site until police and emergency personnel arrive. In addition, if a driver hits a parked vehicle, a note with their information should be left on the windshield or another prominent place. Fault is not a factor in hit-and-runs; leaving is the only criterion.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the above rules. A driver who lacks a cell phone but needs to call for assistance can leave the scene to make the call, but it is expected they will return. Alternatively, it might be necessary to leave the scene if immediate medical care is needed. However, providing contact information to the other driver before leaving is essential.
What Should a Driver Do When They Have a Hit and Run Accident?
When you are in a hit-and-run accident, information is paramount. The police rely on the information to apprehend the person who left. Here is a list of things you can do:
- Note the make, model, and color of the vehicle.
- If you saw the license plate number as the vehicle sped away, or even a portion of it, write it down.
- Remember if you saw any decals on the vehicle, what they were, and where they were placed.
- If the vehicle was damaged in any way, write it down.
- If you saw the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle, describe what you can remember. Any distinguishing features are helpful.
- Talk to witnesses. They might have additional information about the crash and the vehicle or driver.
Filing a Claim
Call your insurance company as soon as possible, and tell them what happened. They will assign someone to monitor your case. When police arrive, ask them for a copy of their accident report and keep in touch with them about their investigation into the case. If your vehicle is damaged and you have collision coverage, it will pay for damages. Additionally, your physical injuries will be covered if you have Med Pay. If the driver is not apprehended, you will be covered under your own underinsured/uninsured coverage.
North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. When you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you benefit from the advice of an injury lawyer. For free and friendly advice, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can go to my Contact Us page to reach me online.
I’ve helped people in North Highlands for over 36 years with all types of car accidents to assist them in obtaining the compensation they deserve. I’ve also handled traumatic brain injury and wrongful death claims.
I am a long-time member of the Million Dollar Advocates. Membership in this forum of trial attorneys is limited to those lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
You should know about an attorney’s practice before retaining them. Check out mine at the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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