Rental Car Hit and Run Accident
The driver of a rental car caused a severe injury to one person in another vehicle on June 12 in Sacramento. The rental car driver then fled the scene. The two-vehicle accident was reported at 1:38 in the afternoon along Northbound 51 just south of H Street. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) ran a check on the rental car and discovered that it had been rented from a San Francisco Hertz Rent A Car on June 3.
Details of the Rental Car Accident
The company was unable to tell which office had rented the vehicle but gave the police a name and description of the man who had picked it up at the agency. The person that had rented the vehicle only had a license from France. It is unknown whether the person who caused the accident was the one who originally rented the car or whether it had been stolen from him. The individual who was hurt in the accident was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The rental agency planned to pick the car up in Sacramento. The incident was reported as a felony hit and run by the CHP investigating officers.
Hit and Run Accidents in California
A hit and run accident in California is a serious offense. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanors usually involve damage to the other vehicle without injury. A felony hit and run involves serious injury to a person other than the driver of the fleeing vehicle. Both misdemeanor and felony charges carry steep penalties.
What to Do When a Hit and Run Occurs
Some steps must be taken after a hit and run accident. They are:
- Call 911 and report what happened. Provide a concise description of the accident and its location.
- Write down details: Once you’ve called 911, write down anything you can remember about the hit and run driver or the vehicle. Important factors are the vehicle’s make and model and color. The license plate number is another vital bit of information. Even if you remember only part of it, this information will help.
- Look for witnesses: Look around to see if anyone saw the accident happen or the fleeing vehicle. This information can be important for your case. If witnesses are available, obtain their contact information.
- Check if video cameras are present in the area: Many businesses have video cameras at the entrance to their store. They often capture an accident in the business’s vicinity. Traffic cameras are widely used today also. Your attorney can obtain the footage.
- Take photos: Take pictures of the damage done to the vehicle. Paint smears from the hit and run vehicle may be left behind. This is useful because manufacturers often use a specific color on certain makes and models. If you are injured, take a photo of the injuries also.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible.
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you face mounting medical bills and lost income because of your trauma, seeking advice from an injury lawyer is a good idea. The lawyer can help by negotiating for you with your insurance company. However, insurance companies don’t always offer a settlement that will pay your bills. If that happens, the lawyer can prepare a case to take to civil court to prove your claim. Remember, a personal injury lawyer does not charge anything until your case is won.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Being hurt in an accident means you can face lost time at work, mounting medical bills and other expenses. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you might be able to recover those costs. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. Others use our online contact form to get in touch with us.
Having information about a law firm can be helpful when you are seeking legal advice. At the links that follow, you can find reviews left by my clients as well as information about cases that my firm has handled:
I am a California member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Members of this group are lawyers who uphold excellent standards in their legal practice. I’m also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, a small group of trial lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
During my 37 years working as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped many Sacramento residents to obtain fair compensation following an accident. Among the areas I work in are traumatic injuries, wrongful deaths, and all truck accidents.
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