Hit and Run Accidents in Pittsburg, CA
An unidentified woman and child were transferred to a nearby hospital following a series of hit-and-run collisions recently. At approximately 4:00 p.m. that afternoon, a female was driving northbound along Harbor Street at the intersection for California Avenue when she crashed into another car. The woman kept driving and then continued to crash into at least two more vehicles. Both the woman and child escaped serious injuries and are expected to survive. According to Pittsburg police officer Steve Albanese, both were hospitalized primarily for precautionary reasons.
Facts About Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes are a recurring problem around the country, especially in California. Following are statistics reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) regarding hit-and-runs:
- Roughly 11% of all accidents reported to the police involve a driver that flees the scene
- At least 1,500 people die in hit-and-run accidents every year
- Pedestrians make up more than half (60%) of all hit-and-run victims
- Almost 20% of pedestrian fatalities can be traced back to hit-and-runs
- 10% of all traffic accident fatalities are reported as hit-and-run accidents
The Consequences of Hit and Runs in California
In California, fleeing the site of a car accident is not taken lightly. The legal punishment is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a maximum of 6 months jail time, on top of a maximum fine of $1,000. Fleeing the scene where someone has been injured can keep you in jail for one full year. Additionally, having a hit-and-run accident on your record can be financially straining – the 2 points added to your California DMV driving record make your insurance rates much more expensive.
Protecting Yourself After a Hit and Run
Those that have received injuries from a hit-and-run collision might not be aware of the options that make it possible to file a damage claim without the other party’s information. In these circumstances, the person can check their own insurance policy to find out if they have uninsured motorist coverage. This protection will cover pedestrians or bicyclists that were hit in a hit-and-run, and it typically extends to any family members living in the same household. The claim is not guaranteed to be approved – your insurance provider has the right to question your claim and even deny coverage. Contacting an experienced injury attorney in Pittsburg is a key component of any insurance claim. The right injury attorney will be by your side through the entire process, assisting you with recovering compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and any other services related to your personal injury.
Other Articles by Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith:
- Car Hits and Kills Pedestrian in Pittsburg
- Number of Hit and Run Accidents Increasing Rapidly
- Multi-Car Collision Injures Children and Adults Near Pittsburg
Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer. If either you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run collision, please call me at (925) 428-5220 for friendly, free advice. If you are from outside the Contra Costa region, call me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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