Multiple Vehicles Involved in Intersection Crash
One driver fled an injury accident scene in Sacramento after striking multiple vehicles on March 25. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It occurred at Hackberry Lane and Madison Avenue shortly after 1:35 in the afternoon. The person who reported the incident was able to describe the suspects vehicle as a black Toyota sedan. Both vehicles that were struck pulled to the right-hand side to allow traffic to pass and avoid a further collision.
Accident Injuries
Emergency personnel with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to assess injuries. One of those involved in the accident was an infant. It is unknown how many people were treated for injuries following the collision. The CHP is investigating the accident and searching for the hit-and-run driver.
Why a Driver Would Hit and Run
There are many reasons that a driver may flee the scene of an accident. None of them are good reasons. It is California law that a driver that causes an accident should remain at the crash site. They are required to exchange information with the other driver and offer help if anyone is injured. All too frequently, this does not happen. According to Drive Safely, a hit-and-run accident occurs every minute in the United States. Some of the reasons a driver may flee include:
- The driver does not have car insurance although they are legally obligated to in California.
- The driver is insured but fears that their insurance rates will go up.
- Drunk driving is a major reason motorists leave an accident scene.
- The driver has been using illicit drugs.
- Distracted drivers may be texting or talking on a cell phone. This can result in an accident involving multiple vehicles.
- The motorist ran a red light or committed another traffic infraction.
- Fatigued driving can contribute to an accident involving multiple vehicles.
Avoiding Hit-and-Run Charges
California drivers have to do the following after an accident with injuries or fatalities:
- The driver must stay at the site of the accident.
- Drivers must exchange information. This includes name, address, and phone number. They also exchange registration and insurance information. If the only damage is to property, the drivers should still exchange information.
- Check for injuries. If someone is injured, let authorities know to send paramedics.
- Phone 911 to notify police if someone is injured or there is a fatality.
- Remember to notify the DMV in under 10 days if an injury or death occurred. If property damage is over $1,000, notify the DMV within 10 days.
Legal Advice From an Injury Lawyer
When you have been injured by a negligent driver, a personal injury lawyer can help. A seasoned lawyer has the financial resources to find a hit-and-run driver. They have many resources at hand to build a strong case for compensation. This includes performing accident reconstruction. Canvassing the neighborhood for additional witnesses is helpful. Witnesses may recall information such as the license plate number. Even a partial number helps locate the vehicle. Checking video footage from nearby cameras is useful. Paint scrapes left by the fleeing vehicle are important. Paint scrapes can be checked with manufacturers to find out what make and model the vehicle is.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, I have free and friendly advice to offer. Call me locally at (916) 921-6400. Outside the area, my toll-free number is (800) 404-5400. I also offer a convenient online form at AutoAccident.com, my website.
I’ve worked as a personal injury lawyer for 37 years. I’ve helped many residents of Sacramento get fair compensation. This includes many types of car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian injuries.
I am a California member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and Million Dollar Forum. The NADC is reserved for lawyers who uphold excellence in the practice of law. The second group is for trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
Learn what former clients have said, and see some of our cases at:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_84780222_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 693]