Arden Arcade Intersection Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident with injuries occurred in an Arden Arcade intersection at 7:31 in the evening on December 26, 2019. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision happened at the crossroads of Howe Avenue and Cottage Way. This is in the vicinity of Howe Community Park. The intersection hit and run accident involved a Dodge Charger and a pickup truck. Reports from the scene indicate that one person was seen running from the crash site. The pickup was carrying a load of paint cans. Although the cans fell from the truck, there were no reports of leakage onto the pavement. Both vehicles were moved to the right-hand side of the road. Despite moving the vehicles, there was considerable debris in the intersection. Authorities are investigating the intersection accident and looking for the fleeing driver.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are occurring more often in the Sacramento area. According to the Washington Post, crashes where a driver flees the scene after a fatality happens on average six times daily. Also, there are thousands of hit and run crashes every year that result in injuries. Despite heavy fines and possible jail time, the high frequency is not lessening. Some common reasons such behavior exists are:
- The driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol and does not want to be tested.
- The fleeing driver has a warrant out for his or her arrest.
- There are drugs in the vehicle.
- Some drivers worry their insurance premiums will increase.
- Drug paraphernalia is in the vehicle.
- Many people panic after an accident and flee.
A Hit and Run Investigation
Police protocol after a hit and run crash is specific. After they arrive at the scene, the police will check the area for sites of impact. This is helpful since the vehicle may have paint smeared on its surface. Since manufacturers use a particular color on certain models, it assists in identifying the make and manufacturer as well as the color of the vehicle. Photos will be taken of all vehicles involved from every possible angle. Witnesses to the crash are an important source of information. Authorities will obtain contact information from everyone who saw the collision. Witnesses may notice which direction the driver headed, something that can be invaluable in the ongoing investigation. The results of the investigation are noted in the police report. If you are involved in an accident, it is essential to ask for a copy of the report or to obtain the police officer’s name and badge number.
Who Pays for Damages When the Negligent Driver Flees?
This question is asked frequently by injured clients. If a driver remains at the scene, a claim can be lodged against his or her insurance. However, when a driver runs away, efforts will be made to apprehend the fleeing person. Sometimes, this is not possible, and the injured party must find an alternate method to be compensated. One way to do this is to use the injured person’s uninsured motorist protection that is part of their auto insurance policy. On occasion, drivers do not take this option even though California requires that it be offered to them. If a family member living with the injured party carries uninsured motorist protection, it can be used to collect financial damages. This protection covers a person injured in an accident, whether they were driving, walking, or cycling.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
At our firm, we do everything we can to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Immediately after the accident, we send our investigators to the crash site to gather evidence. They obtain pictures of the scene and video footage from witnesses or traffic surveillance cameras or local businesses. Our investigators interview witnesses and review the police report for errors. Once this data is gathered, the investigators release it to our legal team, who use it to build a robust case for our client.
Car Accident Lawyer in Arden Arcade
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Arden Arcade. If you are injured in a car or pedestrian accident, among others, call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped clients since 1982 receive the compensation they deserve in all varieties of car accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths.
I am a proud member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Learn more about my firm from client and peer reviews and the way other cases were resolved on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
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