Three Injured After DUI Hit and Run in Modesto
Three people were injured after a hit and run accident caused by DUI in Modesto, CA, on the evening of May 9, 2020. The car accident occurred at Granger Avenue and College Avenue, according to a report by the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD). The incident involved two vehicles described as a black Honda and a blue pickup truck. The impact of the collision reportedly propelled the truck into a traffic signal pole, which was knocked down. The driver of the pickup, a 22-year-old woman, was pinned in her vehicle and extricated by emergency crews using hydraulic tools. She suffered major injuries described as non-life-threatening and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The woman’s two passengers, ages 7 and 11, were also taken to the hospital as a precaution. The driver of the Honda, a 23-year-old Modesto man, allegedly fled the scene on foot. He was located approximately a block away from the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving on a revoked or suspended license because of DUI, DUI causing injury, and hit and run. Officials also said he is a repeat DUI offender and has a current case for driving on a revoked or suspended driver’s license and drunk driving in the Stanislaus County Superior Court system. It is unknown whether he will face additional charges related to the traffic collision.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit and Runs?
In cases where a driver involved in a hit and run accident cannot be located, an injured party may turn to their car insurance policy for protection. This is possible, so long as there is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) available through the insurance plan. In California, UM policies can help cover personal injury damages related to a hit and run.
Personal Injury Claims Process for a Car Accident
The state of California has challenging laws that are essential to understand as an injured party. Otherwise, you may run into a mistake that may lead to reduced compensation for your case or none at all. One of the first laws you should know is the deadline for filing a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the car accident. There are fault-based car insurance laws, meaning that all drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage. This is $15,000 per person, $30,000 per motor vehicle collision, and $5,000 for property damage. However, the personal injury claims process may vary in the case of a hit and run accident. To determine what filing criteria may apply in your case, reach out to an experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer. For information on what to look for in a reputable injury lawyer, watch the video below.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Modesto Hit and Run
When you have suffered catastrophic injuries after a hit and run accident in Modesto, your medical expenses and lost wages can mount tremendously over a short period of time. Do not let your insurance company handling your uninsured motorist claim offer you less than what the true value of your personal injury case is worth. Retain an experienced Modesto personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. At AutoAccident.com, we offer free and confidential case evaluations. Should you decide to retain us as your injury attorney, we will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any attorneys’ fees until we have obtained fair compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. If you or a loved one was seriously injured after a Modesto hit and run accident, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with your car insurance over fair compensation. While it may be tempting to accept the initial settlement offer from your insurance company, it may not take into account the full extent of your injuries and losses. Let an experienced injury lawyer help you obtain the fair financial recovery to which you are entitled. If you or a loved one has found yourselves in this situation, please feel free to call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I can provide you with my free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your case.
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At our Modesto personal injury law firm, it is our goal to take care of our client’s needs to ensure they can focus on what matters most, their recovery and taking care of their family. To see how we have helped resolved past cases for our clients, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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