Two Injured in Modesto Hit and Run Accident
Two people were injured in a hit and run accident in Modesto, CA on the morning of December 31, 2019. The car accident occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. in the area of Tuolumne Boulevard and Yosemite Avenue. A driver of a Toyota Tacoma pickup reportedly ran a stop sign on Yosemite Avenue and was broadsided by an oncoming Volkswagen Passat, according to the Modesto Police Department. The Toyota driver, a 21-year-old Jamestown man, allegedly fled the scene on foot but was detained by police a few blocks away. He was transported to the hospital to be evaluated before being booked on charges related to the incident. The driver of the Volkswagen, identified as a 24-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries but was reported to be in stable condition following the crash. A 3-year-old was also in the Volkswagen and was left with minor injuries. An update regarding the condition of the child has not yet been released by officials.
What Do You Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Modesto?
No one is ever truly prepared for a hit and run accident. When and if it happens, you should know how to move forward after the incident. This includes the following steps:
- Call Police: Before contacting the police for a hit and run accident, try to collect as many details as possible about the suspect driver. This includes taking down the make, model, color, and approximate year of the vehicle, as well as the license plate number. If you have this information, relay it to the police and let them know the direction the suspect traveled, and request for a traffic collision report to be taken at the scene. Having this report is essential, especially when you start the claims process with your insurance company.
- Seek Medical Care: Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Medical personnel should be requested at the scene to attend to anyone who was injured. If emergency medical assistance is not required, schedule an appointment with your doctor and let them know of any pain or unusual symptoms you are experiencing. When follow-up treatment is needed, be sure to keep up with all your appointments. If you fail to do so, the insurance claims adjuster assigned to your personal injury case may dispute the severity of your injuries as well as your damages.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, collect evidence at the collision site. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, skid marks in the road, and street signage in the area. Be sure to take photos of any parts of the suspect vehicle that were strewn at the scene and let the police know about them. This may help later in tracking down the driver responsible for the hit and run.
- Witnesses: Try to take down the contact information of any potential witnesses in the area. Having witness testimony is critical, particularly when proving a hit and run accident and damages incurred to your insurance company.
- Call Your Insurer: After a hit and run, your insurance company will want to know about the incident right away to conduct an investigation. If you fail to notify your insurer promptly, you may be denied the coverage that is available to you through your car insurance policy.
What Type of Insurance Covers a Hit and Run?
After a hit and run accident, you may be wondering how your personal injury and property damage claims will be covered. This is especially true if the suspect driver is not located. In situations like these, you might be able to turn to your own insurance for recourse. You may be able to have your vehicle repaired through your insurance if you have collision coverage. Keep in mind that you could be held liable for a deductible. If you have uninsured motorist protection, you could be able to have your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering covered. Some insurance companies might also offer uninsured motorist property damage, which may help pay for your vehicle to be fixed up to a specific amount, in a car accident with a driver with no insurance or one that flees the scene. Some insurers could require the make, model, and license plate number of the suspect vehicle to approve uninsured motorist property damage disbursement for your hit and run claim. For information on whether there is enough insurance to cover a car wreck, watch the video below.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After Being Injured in a Modesto Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run case is often challenging to pursue if an uninsured motorist claim is filed with your insurance company. Since insurers are focused on their bottom line, this could mean that they may find any way of disputing your case to minimize what they pay for your personal injury damages. Even though your insurance company is expected to provide you with a duty of good faith, it is still best to hire an injury lawyer to ensure your case is in good hands. An attorney can help you in your time of need from conducting an independent investigation of the hit and run and handling the personal injury claims process, through negotiating with the insurance company and presenting your case in court, if necessary.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. Many people are injured in car accidents each year in California. When the incident involves a hit and run driver, it is critical to have an experienced lawyer at your side to protect your best interests. This is where we can help. If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit and run, please call (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
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