One Injured in Madera County Hit and Run Accident
One driver was injured after a hit and run accident in Madera County on the morning of January 1, 2019. The New Year’s crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the area of Road 600 and Highway 49 just outside Ahwahnee. A driver of a Honda reportedly failed to yield at a stop sign at Sunrise Drive and broadsided an oncoming Jeep, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The impact propelled the Jeep off the roadway, causing it to overturn multiple times, and injuring the driver inside. Emergency personnel and police were called to the crash site. The driver of the Jeep was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the Honda allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Department and CHP later detained and arrested the Honda driver shortly after the car accident. It is not yet known whether the driver of the Honda is facing any charges related to this incident.
What to Do After a Madera County Hit and Run Accident
A car accident can happen when least expected, and knowing what to do next may seem overwhelming. When and if the time comes, one should be prepared on how to respond to the situation. If the crash involves a hit and run driver, there are a few steps that should be followed to protect you and your loved ones. These include:
- Call Police: Authorities should be requested at the scene of a hit and run accident to assist with the investigation. When officials arrive, ask for a traffic collision report to be taken at the crash site. Having this report is essential when opening a personal injury or property damage claim with your insurance company.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Check for injuries after the car accident. If you or your passengers were injured, request medical attention at the scene of the crash. If the injuries are not severe, schedule an appointment with your doctor promptly. Be sure to keep up with all your medical appointments. If you allow gaps in treatment dates, an insurance claims adjuster may dispute the severity of your injuries and find ways of denying your claim.
- Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the hit and run, ask them for their contact information. Having a witness statement is critical, particularly in a hit and run case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence, including strewn parts from your car and that of the suspect vehicle, at the crash site. This may help identify the suspect driver and their vehicle later on.
- Call Your Insurance Company: A personal injury claim for a car accident may involve multiple insurers, including the hit and run driver’s policy and your own. It is critical to let your insurance carrier know about the crash and what happened. If you fail to inform your insurance company promptly, you may be denied the coverage that is available to you, such as your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This type of coverage is essential to have, especially if the suspect driver is not located.
In personal injury cases, one of the first steps is to determine whether there is enough insurance available to cover damages incurred. To learn more, watch the video below.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations is the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. California’s statute of limitations for a personal injury case is two years from the time of the accident. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. In claims against government entities for road defects, the statutory deadline is six months or 180 days from the date of the crash, under the California Government Code 911.2. If a claim is not filed within the statute, the injured person may lose the right to recover fair compensation.
What to Do if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
After a hit and run accident, you may be wondering if you can afford a lawyer to handle your case. Fortunately, experienced legal representation is still available to those injured in a crash through a contingency fee agreement. This type of arrangement allows an injured person to retain an attorney without having to pay any upfront fees. A fee will only be due if a successful outcome is obtained in the personal injury case.
Car Accident Lawyer in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera car accident lawyer. A hit and run accident may cause serious injuries or even death to those involved. If a hit and run driver caused your injuries, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I would like to offer you my free, friendly advice on how to proceed in your situation.
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