Fleeing Driver Injures Pedestrian in Sacramento
A pedestrian injury in a midtown Sacramento accident occurred on December 31, 2019, in the evening hours. Officers with the Sacramento Police Department and emergency responders were called to the scene at about 10:35 p.m. at 19th and Q streets. When emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived, they discovered a pedestrian lying in the road. He was conscious and spoke to police officers before being transported to a nearby hospital. The accident report said that the vehicle that struck the pedestrian pinned his leg to the pavement. The driver was told to move his vehicle to free the injured pedestrian. Then the driver fled from the accident scene. The incident is under investigation by the Sacramento Police to determine how the accident occurred.
Leaving the Scene of a Pedestrian Injury
Leaving the scene of a vehicular or pedestrian accident is a criminal act and can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, if no one was injured, it is usually a misdemeanor charge. However, if someone is killed or seriously injured, a felony charge will most likely be made. A felony charge carries a significant fine and jail time. Felony fleeing the scene also shows up on a criminal background check.
Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Happen?
With the penalties handed out for hit and run accidents, it is difficult to understand why drivers flee. Psychologists say there are several common reasons:
- The driver panics and flees. This represents the majority of hit and run drivers.
- Others believe the accident was too trivial to report.
- The driver had a warrant out for their arrest, and they do not want to be captured.
- A motorist is impaired by alcohol or drugs and does not want to be tested.
- A motorist does not have a driver’s license or insurance.
- Some drivers worry that their insurance premiums will rise.
Hit and Run Accidents in Sacramento
Hit and run accidents are escalating nationwide, and Sacramento has its fair share. From October 2018 to the end of September 2019, Sacramento had 927 hit and run accidents that caused 370 injuries and five fatalities. In Sacramento County, this number increases with 3,835 fleeing driver crashes, 1,293 injured, and 13 deaths. Not every hit and run driver is apprehended, according to authorities. Pedestrians and cyclists are often involved in these accidents. The city has studied some of the areas that are the site of many hit and runs, such as:
- Marysville Boulevard
- El Camino Avenue
- Stockton Boulevard and Patterson Way
- The intersection of Broadway and Stockton Boulevard
- Florin Road
The study was implemented to support the establishment of Operation Zero. Started in 2018, the aim of the program is to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2027.
How an Attorney Can Help
Being injured in a pedestrian accident can have devastating results. Our firm sets to work as soon as possible to investigate the accident to establish negligence. We do this by using accident reconstruction techniques, obtaining video footage and talking to witnesses. Our investigators also review police reports for inaccuracies since they are used frequently in negotiating with insurers and in civil court. We make every effort to work with authorities to capture the perpetrator by canvassing the area for information.
However, if the fleeing person cannot be apprehended, we work with our clients to obtain the compensation they need. One way of doing this is to use the injured pedestrian’s uninsured motorist insurance. This protection covers the person, whether they are walking, cycling, or driving. In the event that the injured party does not carry this insurance, they are able to use the uninsured motorist protection held by a family member who lives with them. Once evidence is gathered, our lawyers build a strong case for our client.
Sacramento Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento pedestrian accident lawyer. I am available to provide free and friendly advice to residents who have been hurt in a pedestrian hit and run. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. If you’d rather, you can contact me online.
I’ve helped clients in Sacramento in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic incidents.
I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Please visit the following pages to learn more about my practice:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_77620728_l-2015
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