Four Injured in Modesto Hit and Run Accident
Four parties were injured in a Modesto hit and run accident on the afternoon of June 1, 2019. The car wreck occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Del Vale Avenue and West Roseburg Avenue. A 40-year-old man was driving a black Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck in the area and ran a stop sign at the intersection. The Chevrolet then collided with a white Nissan Altima occupied by two children and two women and came to a rest after striking an unoccupied Mercedes-Benz parked in the driveway of a nearby home. The impact of the collision propelled the Mercedes-Benz into the porch, causing structural damage. A 12-year-old girl was reportedly ejected from the Nissan during the crash and was transported via air ambulance to the hospital for treatment of head injuries. The second child and two women were taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment of unspecified trauma. An update regarding their conditions has not yet been released by officials.
Investigation of the Modesto Hit and Run Accident
According to the Modesto Police Department, the man driving the Chevrolet truck reportedly fled the scene after the collision. However, he was later tracked down by police a couple of blocks away and allegedly showed signs of impairment. He was arrested and booked on charges of resisting arrest, hit and run causing injury, and DUI causing injury.
Recourse in a Modesto Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident can be devastating. These crashes often leave those involved with serious injury and high property damage, all as the negligent party tries to avoid liability by leaving the scene of the collision. Fortunately, injured parties of a hit and run collision may be able to collect reimbursement for their damages so long as they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects those involved in a hit and run and helps pay for subsequent losses up to the amount of coverage purchased.
Recoverable Personal Injury Damages in a Car Accident
An injured party is entitled to pursue all damages from their uninsured/underinsured motorist protection that they would usually recover from the at-fault driver. This includes reimbursement of medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. Your vehicle’s damage may also be covered under your car insurance policy if you also have uninsured motorist property damage coverage or collision coverage. To learn about the factors that may affect the outcome of a personal injury case, watch the below video.
Punitive Damages in an Auto Accident
Punitive damages are not available in most personal injury cases. They may be sought in those that involve acts of intentional oppression, fraud, or malice. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter them from committing similar actions in the future. For instance, driving under the influence has a high potential for catastrophic injury and wrongful death. It can be considered egregious conduct under specific circumstances and can allow the imposition of punitive damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a personal injury claim has a two-year statute of limitations. This also applies to cases of hit and run accidents. If a claim is not filed within the deadline, the statute will expire, and the case will likely be dismissed by the court.
Should I Hire a Modesto Personal Injury Attorney?
The process of recovering compensation for a hit and run can be challenging without the assistance of an experienced Modesto accident lawyer. This is due to insurance companies often attempting to underpay, delay, or deny claims for damages following a crash. An attorney will handle all aspects of the case from conducting an independent investigation to negotiating with the insurance carrier to secure a favorable outcome on the injured person’s behalf.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Enlisting the assistance of an injury lawyer if you suffered an injury in a hit and run accident can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
Learn more about our law office by browsing our client ratings and reviews at:
I am honored to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. Membership of this forum is open only to attorneys who have won $1 million or more for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization is comprised of the top one percent of attorneys with the highest standards of legal excellence.
Visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to view a list of our past case results.
Image Source: By “ElasticComputeFarm” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 798]