Motorist Injured in Hit-And-Run Accident Along Roseville Road
A hit-and-run accident occurred in North Highlands on July 1 that left one person injured. The collision occurred along Roseville Road between Winona Way and Orange Grove Avenue around 3:00 in the afternoon, according to the police report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It was reported that the traffic sign was knocked down in the collision, and the driver in an unknown vehicle fled the scene.
Injured Person Left Behind in Hit-And-Run
A tow truck was called to remove the Chevy Equinox the injured person was riding in. The CHP is leading an investigation into the hit-and-run to determine how it occurred and locate the driver who fled the accident scene. When a hit-and-run involves an injury or fatality, the fleeing motorist can face serious charges, which include large fines and jail time.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
In the last several years, the number of fleeing driver accidents have increased in California. With the steep penalties associated with such accidents, it is any wonder why they continue to increase. Some common reasons are:
- The driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs and is worried about being caught. Many times, the driver will wait until the substances have cleared his or her bloodstream before turning themselves in.
- The driver may have warrants out for their arrest for prior crimes or traffic tickets.
- The motorist may also be in an employer-owned vehicle and worry about being fired.
- The vehicle lacks insurance, or the driver does not have a driver’s license or registration.
- The driver panics.
Finding a Hit-and-Run Driver
Our firm works hard to locate the hit-and-run driver. Our investigators question witnesses at the scene of the accident to see if they saw any identifying elements such as a license plate number. Even a portion of the number is sufficient to help identify the vehicle. Other information about the make and model of the vehicle and its color is of immense help in tracking the driver down.
The investigators also canvass the neighborhood where the crash happened. It is common for the hit-and-run driver to live nearby, and neighbors may have information.
Investigating a Hit-And-Run Accident
My law office has a good track record of locating hit-and-run drivers by cooperating with authorities and conducting our own investigation. Our investigators search for traffic and business surveillance cameras that might have filmed the accident. They also perform accident reconstruction and look for signs of government negligence that might have caused the crash.
Once that driver is located, they can be held financially responsible for the injuries. If the driver cannot be located, my office can look for other ways in which to pay for your injuries and lost wages.
Using Insurance Coverage to Pay for Damages
There are times that the fleeing driver cannot be located. When this happens, an injured person can use their own uninsured/underinsured insurance policy coverage. This particular coverage is added to the basic insurance mandated by the state. It is not required and can be waived. However, with millions of motorists without insurance in California, it is a popular policy.
In the event that the injured party does not have this add-on, they can file a claim if a family member has uninsured coverage. The premiums will not rise, and it will help pay for medical bills and lost wages.
North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. If you were injured in a hit-and-run, I might be able to help. Please contact me at (916) 921-6400 if you would like my free and friendly advice. A toll-free number is available at (800) 404-5400. My office has an online form in addition.
I’ve helped North Highlands residents obtain compensation for their injuries for 38 years. I specialize in traumatic injuries and all types of traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and other cases too numerous to mention.
Find out about my firm by clicking on the following links:
It is an honor for me to be a member of:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
:cd llo [cs 729]