Roseville Hit and Run Driver Causes Intersection Accident
A hit and run accident took place recently in Roseville when a car carrying a woman and her baby was struck. The female driver was making a right turn onto Atlantic Street from Wills Road in Roseville. She was identified as Megan Smith, a resident of Citrus Heights. Smith said that the vehicle that struck her was a black Silverado towing a Honda sedan on a trailer. The pickup truck allegedly ran a red light before hitting her vehicle, pushing it into the middle of the road. Neither Smith nor Mabel, her 11-month-old daughter, were hurt. Smith said she had no escape route as the truck was heading for her, leaving her feeling shaken. Roseville Police representative Rob Baquera said that they believed the pickup truck’s driver knew he hit Smith’s car but left anyway. The pickup was last seen heading up Atlantic Street. The Roseville police are asking for the public’s help in apprehending the hit and run pickup driver.
More Details on the Hit and Run Driver
The police have reason to believe that the same fleeing pickup made a stop at a Chevron station in close proximity to the accident location shortly before the crash occurred. They’ve discovered video footage of a passenger in the truck, buying a snack at the gas station. Police are not sure how many people were in the Silverado. There may have been a passenger and the driver.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
In a hit and run case, it is important to find the driver. Our investigators are able to help police in this regard by examining the accident site for clues. Witnesses to the accident can be helpful as can video footage that captured it. Many businesses and traffic cameras are found at intersections through the area. Police reports are examined for accuracy, and investigators continue to monitor the case. Once this information is accumulated, our legal team works to build a strong case against the at-fault party. This can be used to negotiate with the insurance company, and if the insurer fails to offer the compensation our client deserves, we take the case to trial.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents pose one additional problem since the errant driver must be apprehended for the case against them to move forward. There are things the injured driver can do, however, that will assist in catching the perpetrator. Clearly, the first necessity is to call the police. The second is to try to remember things about the accident that will help. For instance, did the hit and run driver have physical attributes that may help identify them? This could be the length of their hair or tattoos that may be visible. Did they have stickers on their vehicles that were memorable? Can you remember their license plate number? Even a fraction of the number can help.
Taking pictures of all property damage to your vehicle can also help. This will allow you to easily show the insurance company the damage that was done. It will also help to establish the model and manufacturer of the vehicle if paint is left on your car since many manufacturers use a specific color on certain models. The position of the vehicle after a collision can be used in the reconstruction of the crash. Calling your attorney as soon as possible is also important. Many bits of evidence are lost after the area is cleared. If the lawyer’s investigators are able to examine the site, it will preserve evidence to be used in the case. We deal with insurance companies to obtain the necessary compensation. If negotiations to obtain the damages that are needed are not fruitful, we take the case to civil court on behalf of our clients.
Who Pays for a Hit and Run Accident?
If the driver is apprehended, either they or their insurance can be held liable for the damages. Sometimes, this is not possible. In that case, there are other ways for the plaintiff to be compensated. In California, insurers are required to offer clients uninsured/underinsured insurance. This can be used when the negligent driver lacks coverage entirely or has little insurance. Californians are able to refuse this, but they must sign a waiver to do so. There are several types of uninsured coverage:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: This uninsured coverage pays for medical care for the driver or anyone in the vehicle if the other party was at fault. It will pay up to the amount of liability coverage limits you have.
- Uninsured motorist property damage: If the uninsured driver is at fault, this pays for $3,500 worth of damage to your car when the other motorist is at fault. To use this, the runaway driver must be named.
- Underinsured motorist: This will pay for bodily injury when the errant driver has little insurance.
When the hit and run driver is not identified, this may become the injured driver’s primary source for compensation. Collision coverage can be used to repair your vehicle.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Hit and run accidents can leave you feeling vulnerable and physically hurt. The problem is it can also affect you financially. I can help. Just call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online if that is easier for you.
I’ve helped Sacramento residents and those in the surrounding area since 1982 obtain the compensation they deserve. I’ve worked on all kinds of car accidents, wrongful death and traumatic brain injury among others.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
If you would like to know more about my practice, please read the following pages:
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