Accident on SR 51 Caused by Fleeing Driver
A hit-and-run with injuries was reported in Sacramento on December 7, caused by what may have been an intentional act. The accident happened around 9:12 p.m. along south SR 51 near the Exposition Boulevard on-ramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the driver of the suspect vehicle was speeding, cutting other vehicles off, and brake checking at the time the three-vehicle crash occurred.
Authorities Search for Driver Who Committed Hit-and-Run Injury Accident
It was reported that the suspected vehicle was trying to crash with other motorists, and after doing so, it fled the scene. The CHP is conducting an accident investigation to determine exactly what happened and trying to locate the fleeing driver and vehicle. Although injuries were reported in the accident, no additional details were provided.
Injuries Caused by an Intentional Act
When an injury occurs through egregious negligence or due to an intentional act, the injured party may take the case to court and ask that punitive damages be awarded. Unlike compensation recovered in a personal injury claim, which covers the individual’s pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses, punitive damages are awarded through a survival action. This compensates the estate of the person who died, punishes the offender and is meant to discourage such behavior in the future.
Finding a Hit-and-Run Driver
Over the years, we’ve located a number of drivers who have committed a hit-and-run because we feel it’s difficult enough to suffer an injury. The injured party shouldn’t have to bear the financial cost when it was someone else’s fault. In addition to working with local authorities, we perform the following:
- Our investigators head to the site of the hit-and-run to gather evidence that might help locate the vehicle and driver. In addition to taking photographs, they look for smears of paint and dropped metal pieces that can help identify the make and model of the vehicle.
- Traffic surveillance cameras are looked at to see if the hit-and-run was captured on film. Film footage of the accident can potentially help identify both the vehicle and driver.
- The police report is examined to see if it might be helpful. It’s also checked for accuracy since errors can affect a client’s ability to file a claim for compensation.
- Accident reconstruction is performed, which shows how the hit-and-run occurred and can point toward fault.
- Any witnesses to the accident are interviewed by the investigators. A witness may recall at least part of the license plate number of the vehicle or be able to describe the driver.
When the evidence is gathered, our injury lawyers can use it to build a strong case for compensation. After the hit-and-run driver has been located, a claim can be placed against their insurance company. Barring that, the case can be taken to civil court to recover damages.
Using Auto Insurance to Pay for Your Injuries
If the driver is located but has no resources to pay for your injuries, you have the option of using your uninsured/underinsured auto insurance. If you didn’t elect to take this add-on policy when you purchased auto insurance, there is still another option open. You can use the policy of another household member to cover your expenses. This type of insurance add-on also pays out if you are injured as a pedestrian, while bicycle riding, or on a motorcycle. Using this policy to pay for injury expenses does not affect the rates in the future.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an auto accident attorney in Sacramento. Call us for our free and friendly advice when you’ve suffered an injury caused by a negligent driver. We can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach us online.
We’ve helped Northern Californians since 1982 to get the compensation they deserve in all varieties of car accidents and other traffic injuries, wrongful death cases, and others.
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Photo attribution: Image by fsHH from Pixabay
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