Crescent City Hit-and-Run Injures Pedestrian Near Hospital

Crescent City Hit-and-Run Occurs on East Washington Boulevard

A Crescent City hit-and-run on East Washington Boulevard left a pedestrian injured on November 22, according to the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred around 6:18 p.m. on November 22 in front of Sutter Coast Hospital. Emergency fire and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured pedestrian.

Authorities Search for Crescent City Hit-and-Run Driver

Authorities said the driver involved left the scene before law enforcement arrived. The suspect vehicle has not yet been identified, and the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved is urged to contact the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office.

Pedestrian Accidents and Negligent Motorists

Pedestrian accidents caused by negligent motorists often result in some of the most serious injuries on the road. Without the protection of a vehicle, a person on foot is directly exposed to the force of impact from a car, truck, or SUV. These crashes frequently occur when drivers speed, fail to yield in crosswalks, run red lights, or drive while distracted or impaired. Even at relatively low speeds, a collision with a pedestrian can have life-altering consequences.

The Seriousness of Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrians struck by vehicles commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal trauma, and severe soft-tissue injuries. Many injured parties require emergency surgery, long hospital stays, and extended rehabilitation to regain basic mobility and independence. Some injuries result in permanent disability, chronic pain, or disfigurement that affects a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily activities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on injured pedestrians and their families can be overwhelming.

How an Accident Lawyer Investigates Hit-and-Run Crashes

When a negligent driver flees the scene of a Crescent City hit-and-run, a pedestrian’s situation becomes even more stressful and complex. An experienced accident lawyer can take immediate steps to investigate a hit-and-run and work to identify the at-fault motorist. This may include obtaining and reviewing nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage, locating and interviewing witnesses, canvassing local businesses and residences, and checking for paint transfers or debris that may narrow down the make and model of the vehicle.

Locating and Holding the Driver Accountable

A dedicated injury attorney can also collaborate with law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to piece together how the collision occurred and who is responsible. Once the hit-and-run driver is identified, the lawyer can pursue a claim against that person’s insurance company and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. By aggressively pursuing the case, an attorney helps ensure that the negligent driver is held accountable for the harm they caused.

Using Auto Insurance When the Driver Cannot Be Found

In some cases, despite a thorough investigation, the hit-and-run driver cannot be located. Even then, an injured pedestrian may still have options for recovery. If the victim carries uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on an auto policy, or is covered under a household member’s policy, that insurance may provide compensation for medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages. An accident lawyer can review all available policies, handle communications with the insurance company, and work to secure a fair settlement under these coverages.

Attorney Ed Smith discusses what to look for when choosing the right lawyer for your case:

Contacting a Crescent City Personal Injury Lawyer

I am Crescent City personal injury lawyer Ed Smith. If you sustained trauma in a pedestrian collision or Crescent City hit-and-run, free and friendly legal advice is available. To receive free and friendly advice, call and speak to one of our accident lawyers at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you can also contact us online. 

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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