Accident Near Theater Street Causes Injuries
An accident described as a hit-and-run occurred near Theater Street on the bridge in Walnut Grove on June 29 at about 7:49 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a pedestrian was struck by a BMW. There were reports that the driver of the BMW appeared to be hiding the vehicle behind a tavern. Sac Fire was also called to the accident scene, and the pedestrian was described as “alert” when they arrived.
Further Details of the Accident
A vehicle matching the description of the car involved in the hit-and-run was seen parked in front of a residence nearby. A tow truck was called to remove the BMW. The driver was not in the vehicle. However, early reports say a woman carrying an object was seen walking fast along the Steamboat side of Grand Island Road. At the time of this report, no one has been charged with the accident, and an investigation is ongoing.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit-and-runs are happening more often in California. This may be due to the increased number of unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles in the state. The number of uninsured motorists is also increasing, and this alone can be a reason for so many fleeing drivers. Another reason is the large number of impaired motor vehicle operators.
The Consequences of a Fleeing Driver Accident
For many clients, a fleeing driver leads to fears that they will be forced to pay for medical care themselves. That is not always the case. At AutoAccident.com, our investigators work to help police apprehend the perpetrator. They scour the accident site for evidence that could identify the vehicle, such as:
- Paint smears from the vehicle in the hit-and-run collision
- License plate identification
- Recognition of the driver
- Driver features that are unusual such as scars and tattoos
- Witness information that helps to identify the operator of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run
Insurance Help in a Hit-and-Run
If the fleeing driver is not apprehended, the injured party still has the ability to pay for medical expenses by using an uninsured/underinsured auto insurance add-on. This add-on is offered to all California drivers when they obtain insurance for their vehicle. If the driver fails to opt for the add-on policy, but someone in their household does obtain it, the injured party is covered. When this insurance option is used, the premium is not affected.
What Type of Compensation Is Available in a Hit-and-Run Lawsuit?
If the driver is located, a claim can be filed with the help of an injury lawyer. The claim includes compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses: All medical expenses are covered. This includes emergency room care, hospital costs and physician fees, medication and diagnostic tests. If rehabilitation is needed, it too is covered.
- Aftercare: In some cases, aftercare is needed. This includes at-home nursing services and possible home modifications to accommodate disabling injuries.
- Lost wages: This includes the wages the person would have earned had it not been for the accident. If the person is disabled and unable to work permanently, the wages he/she would have earned up until the age of retirement are recoverable. If the person needs to take a lower-paying job, the difference between the wages prior to the accident is factored in.
- Pain and suffering: This includes the emotional pain and anxiety the person suffers along with continuing physical discomfort.
- Punitive damages: If the accident was particularly egregious, the injured party can request punitive damages. This is not compensation for the injuries but a way to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future similar accidents.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. There are options to recover damages after being injured by a hit-and-run driver, and we can give you free and friendly advice about your case. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be reached online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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