Suspected DUI Driver Arrested in Fresno Hit and Run
A driver suspected of DUI was arrested after being involved in a hit and run accident in southeast Fresno, CA, on the morning of May 6, 2020. Officers from the Fresno Police Department (Fresno PD) were called to the scene of a minor collision between two cars around 7:00 a.m. at Church and Orange avenues. One of the motorists reportedly fled the scene, and the other driver involved in the accident followed them down Church Avenue to Cedar Avenue. As Fresno PD officers arrested one of the parties involved in the initial accident on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), a third car drove by the area and crashed into a cyclist. The rider of the bicycle suffered minor injuries as a result. The third vehicle that struck the bicyclist left the scene, and police are now looking for the suspect involved in the bicycle accident. Updates, including the description of the third car and its driver, were not immediately available.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Caused by DUI in Fresno
Filing a personal injury claim for a traffic collision can be a complicated process. This is especially true if the other driver fled the scene of the car accident. It can be extremely challenging to locate and identify the driver involved in the hit and run accident. In times like these, an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer can help you understand the steps involved in filing a claim after a hit and run accident. These steps include:
- File a traffic accident report with the police immediately after the hit and run. Doing so early on can increase the chances of police tracking down the at-fault party.
- Collect witness information and statements from anyone who saw what happened in the collision.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries that were sustained in the crash.
- Ask authorities to gather any strewn vehicle parts that may have fallen from the suspect vehicle.
- Follow up with officials and ask for a copy of the police accident report. If the driver was found and cited for excessive speeding or DUI, evidence of this conviction can help support your personal injury claim to an insurance company.
Having this evidence in hand can help your Fresno auto accident attorney start the process of locating the driver involved in the hit and run and holding them financially responsible for your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer can also help to build a strong case by gathering video surveillance of the accident scene to support your claim. For details on what to look for in the best personal injury lawyer near you, watch the video below.
What if the Hit and Run Driver is Not Found?
A driver responsible for a hit and run accident is sometimes never located, despite everyone’s best efforts. In the unfortunate event that another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist finds themselves involved in this situation, they may be able to use their own insurance policy to cover losses incurred. This is possible, so long as the injured party has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). The UM portion of the coverage can be used to cover economic and noneconomic damages related to a hit and run, even if the driver is not found. It may also extend to a pedestrian or cyclist injured in a hit and run. While the personal injury claim will be handled by your insurance carrier, this does not necessarily mean that your insurer will provide your fair compensation for your damages. Your injury lawyer can work diligently with your insurance company to ensure you receive the financial recovery you are entitled to through your policy.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Hit and Run Accident?
Getting your life back on track after a collision is not as simple as you may think, particularly if the other driver fled the scene. On top of your medical treatment for your accident-related injuries, you may face financial strain if you are not able to return to work until you fully recover. Insurance companies do not always have your best interests at heart and may take advantage of you and your vulnerable position after your accident. They may do so by disputing your personal injury case and its value. You want to work with someone who knows how to overcome the defense tactics used by insurance claims adjusters. At AutoAccident.com, our Fresno car accident lawyers have years of experience in handling hit and run accidents just like yours. Our injury attorneys will work endlessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the fair financial compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will also determine whether punitive damages may be recovered in your case if drunk driving is involved on the part of the hit and run driver.
Car Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. A hit and run accident can be a very traumatic and stressful event in your life, especially when serious injuries and losses occur as a result. If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run accident and suffered injuries as a result, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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