Pedestrian Injured in Hit and Run Accident
A pedestrian was injured in a hit and run accident that happened on March 22 along Fruitridge Road. The accident occurred near the off-ramp to Highway 99 at about 8:32 in the morning. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) transferred the incident to the Sacramento Police Department. The vehicle involved remains unidentified. The pedestrian’s condition remains unknown, but an ambulance responded to the scene. The incident is under investigation by the Sacramento police.
Hit and Run Accidents
Any driver who leaves the scene of an accident is guilty of hit and run. If the driver flees the scene, even if the damage is only to property, that motorist is guilty of hit and run. When a death or serious injury occurs, the hit and run driver will probably be charged with a felony. This results in serious penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. The driver must remain at the scene to exchange information and offer help if injuries occur.
Why Drivers Leave an Accident
Many times, the fleeing driver has reasons for leaving the scene of an accident. Most of them are bad reasons. The driver may be drunk or under the influence of drugs. They may be driving on a suspended license or be guilty of a traffic infraction. They may have outstanding warrants or no insurance. Other reasons include traffic offenses such as speeding, distracted driving or tailgating.
Obligations of a Driver Who Is Involved in an Accident
Instead of fleeing the scene, the motorist involved in an accident should:
- Remain at the scene.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver/drivers.
- Check for injuries.
- Phone for medical help if necessary.
- Write down the license plate number, model, make and color of the other vehicle.
- Get information from vehicle passengers and witnesses to the crash.
Obtaining Help After an Accident
If a hit and run motorist caused your accident, an attorney could help locate the offender. The methods used by a personal injury lawyer include accident reconstruction and expert witnesses. Some ways an attorney can find a hit and run driver include:
- Police report: The police report contains all known information about the crash. If the description of the Sacramento fleeing motorist vehicle is included, this is a good starting point.
- Nearby businesses: Businesses often have cameras that film nearby activities as a safety measure. Video footage can help locate a Sacramento fleeing motorist.
- Witnesses: Those who saw the accident happen may have more information about the suspect. This can include the license plate number of the vehicle and description of the driver.
- Department of Motor Vehicles: If a license plate number for the vehicle is known, this information is invaluable. This lets the Sacramento fleeing motorist be identified with their name and address.
- Going door to door: Home and business owners near the accident site may have seen something.
- Insurance company: A lawyer can negotiate with the driver’s insurance company for you. This helps convince the insurance company what compensation is needed to pay for your losses.
Watch YouTube Video: Reducing Pedestrian Crashes is the Goal of New IIHS Ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides new ratings for automatic emergency braking systems that can detect and brake for pedestrians.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you are injured by a negligent driver, a seasoned lawyer can help. Contact me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 locally. Outside the area code, call (800) 404-5400 toll-free. You can also reach me at AutoAccident.com by using the online contact form.
Two groups I am honored to belong to include:
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Recognizes lawyers with a record of promoting excellence in the law.
- Million Dollar Forum: Established for trial lawyers who’ve obtained more than $1 million for a client.
I’ve helped Sacramento residents get compensation for their accident injuries for 37 years. This includes areas such as brain injuries, motorcycle crashes and wrongful deaths.
Learn about my law practice by visiting the following sites:
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