Fleeing Driver Leaves Scene of Injury Accident on I-80
On August 11, a motorist was injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a fleeing driver in Citrus Heights. The accident happened around 8:13 a.m. on eastbound I-80 just east of the Antelope Road off-ramp between two Toyota Camrys. Upon arriving at the scene, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers discovered the newer Camry in the center divider.
Fleeing Driver Being Sought in Hit-and-Run Collision
The suspected hit-and-run driver was described as being in a brown Toyota Camry that exhibited crash damage on the driver’s side. Medics with the Sacramento Metro Fire District determined that someone in the remaining vehicle had suffered injuries but did not report the extent of trauma. In order to determine fault and the cause of the collision, investigators with the CHP’s traffic collision unit are investigating the incident.
Hit-and-Run Driver
All too often, a driver does not remain at the accident scene. Not only is this illegal, but it leaves the injured party feeling vulnerable. Our car accident lawyers step in and help clients get past this time in their lives. We do this by determining fault using various methods and helping to find the fleeing driver. Some investigative methods we use are:
- Examining the scene: Our investigators thoroughly examine the accident site for auto debris that could help identify the missing vehicle. For instance, vehicles are painted a specific color by the manufacturer, which gives information about the make and model.
- Talking to witnesses: Bystanders can often give detailed information about the hit-and-run vehicle and the fleeing motorist. Even part of the license plate number can help.
- Accident reconstruction: This technique is useful in determining liability and will show the path the vehicles take before, during and after the accident.
- Surveillance tapes: These are gathered from nearby businesses and traffic lights. They show the accident in real-time. A subpoena can be filed if the owner refuses to provide the footage.
It is critical to gather this evidence since your case might not be heard without it. We are then able to build a strong claim against the at-fault party.
What Happens If a Fleeing Motorist Is Elusive
Sometimes, a hit-and-run driver is elusive, and action must be taken to bypass this situation. In this case, your car accident lawyer will suggest using your own insurance to pay for medical bills and other damages. An uninsured/underinsured policy allows you to recover compensation for your injuries if the fleeing driver isn’t located.
If you don’t happen to have this type of insurance but a member of your family does, you can use that instead. It will not affect the policy rates in the future. We do all we can to find the hit-and-run driver, but if this is not possible, we will stand by your side all the way.
The following video features injury lawyer Ed Smith offering tips on finding a good attorney:
Personal Injury Lawyer in Citrus Heights
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Citrus Heights. Motorists have a right to recover fair compensation when they are injured by a negligent driver. Our accident attorneys may be able to help when you call for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You can phone us at (800) 404-5400 long-distance, and an online form to reach us is available too.
Take a look at the links below to learn more about our injury lawyers and how they have assisted others:
Our law firm is a proud Million Dollar Advocates and Top 1 Percent member.
Photo Attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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