Injuries Reported After Delhi Hit and Run Accident
Serious injuries were reported after a hit and run accident near Delhi, CA, on the morning of January 13, 2020. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Griffith Road, just north of Bradbury Road. A 22-year-old man was walking in the area when he was hit by a northbound Ford of unknown model and color, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Ford driver reportedly fled the scene after the crash. A passing motorist offered to drive the injured man to an area hospital, before notifying CHP of the pedestrian accident. Anyone with details about the suspect driver or vehicle is encouraged to call the CHP Merced Area Office at (209) 356-6600.
Is a Delhi Hit and Run Accident Covered by Insurance?
When a pedestrian is injured in a hit and run accident, they may ask themselves how will their medical expenses and time off work be covered during their recovery. An injured pedestrian may be able to file a personal injury claim under their auto insurance policy. This is a potential option if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. The uninsured motorist portion may help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the suspect driver is not found. When the motorist responsible for the hit and run is later located, the claim may still be covered under that policy if that driver has little to no insurance to cover damages incurred. In cases where the injured pedestrian does not have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage but lives with a relative who does, a claim may be brought under that insurance plan. This is a viable option, so long as the injured pedestrian is not excluded from the policy.
What Are Compensatory Damages in a California Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim seeks compensatory damages to make an injured pedestrian whole again. There are two types of damages, economic and noneconomic. Economic damages refer to the monetary losses an injured individual has faced, such as mounting medical bills, lost wages, and out of pocket expenses for accommodations related to permanent disability. Noneconomic damages compensate an injured party for the intangible harm they have endured. This includes emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of consortium, lost enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. For more details on what factors may affect the value of a personal injury case in California, watch the video below.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Hit and Run?
A pedestrian may feel stressed and upset if they have been injured by a hit and run driver, and their insurance company is not being helpful about the situation. When this happens, it is best to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer from Merced. A lawyer can retain private investigators to identify and locate the driver responsible for the hit and run. Since motorists who flee the scene of an injury accident are committing a felony, a lawyer may also be able to seek punitive damages for their egregious misconduct. When the suspect driver is not located, a lawyer may interview witnesses to build a strong case for fair compensation. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line and will use any defense tactic to provide injured pedestrians with the lowest settlement offer possible. This is why it is essential to work with an injury lawyer to ensure you are not taken advantage of after a traumatic accident.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. People are injured after hit and run accidents every day and often face significant emotional and financial hardship. No one deserves that type of stress. If and when it happens, it is best to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer from Merced. If you or a family member has been injured after a hit and run, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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