Driver Flees Injury Scene at O and 16th Streets
On April 5, 2021, the Merced Police Department began investigating a hit-and-run incident following the discovery of an injured elderly man in the vicinity of the Auto Resources used car dealership.
A report came in at approximately 3:30 a.m. last Monday that an elderly man was in the road and had sustained a head laceration. This was in the area of O Street and West 16th. When first responders arrived at the scene they found a 75-year-old man in the gutter on the north side of the roadway. The man had been using a walker and had sustained serious injuries in the collision. Evidence found at the scene included vehicle parts. Based on their investigation, Merced police believe the suspect vehicle could be a Ford Mustang, model year range from 2002 to 2006. The driver of the vehicle that struck the man fled the scene and has not contacted law enforcement, and did not call 911 to get the man medical help.
Police investigators have been reviewing footage from video cameras in the area. They have requested that anyone with information regarding the incident get in touch with Officer Richter, either by telephone – (209) 388-7801 or via email at [email protected]. The department also has a tip line through which you may call in with information and remain anonymous: (209) 385-4725.
The victim was taken to a Modesto hospital for treatment, and his condition was reported as stable.
The Heinous Hit-and-Run
There are a number of reasons why a driver may flee the scene of an accident – and all of them are selfish and boil down to an attempt to avoid punishment and/or legal consequences. The act of deserting an injured pedestrian without calling for help is especially inhumane. Below are some common reasons that would motivate a person to commit such a heartless act in the name of self-preservation:
- The driver was impaired.
- The driver was texting at the time of the collision.
- The driver did not have valid auto insurance.
- The driver had an expired or suspended driver’s license.
- The vehicle was stolen.
- The vehicle was owned by the driver’s employer and the driver does not want to get fired.
- The driver has outstanding warrants or is on parole.
- The driver was transporting drugs or other illegal goods.
If a driver who leaves an accident scene has a commercial driver’s license, he or she could lose the license for one year. If someone leaves the scene of an accident that resulted in injuries to another, the deserter could face criminal charges.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Incident
It is incredibly frustrating to be injured in an accident and have the other driver flee the scene. The investigating officers will do their best to locate the wrongdoer, but it is not always possible. It helps greatly if there are witnesses to the accident who can give a good description of the vehicle, driver, or license plate. Better yet, dashcam footage or video from a nearby camera may help in the search for the AWOL driver.
If, ultimately, the other driver cannot be located, the injured person can file a claim under their own insurance, through the Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) portion of the policy. Though it may not feel like justice, it will help to pay medical bills and other damages.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run injury incident, call an experienced Merced personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a news clip reporting on what to do after a hit-and-run incident.
Merced Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
My name is Ed Smith, and I have been a personal injury lawyer in Merced, California, for nearly four decades. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence, carelessness, and/or recklessness of another driver, our skilled injury lawyers can help. To discuss your legal options and to receive compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice, call us at (209) 227-1931. From outside the area, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-vehicle-chase-speed-blur-5525025/
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