Hit and Run Accident in Arden Arcade
A hit and run accident that resulted in injuries occurred in Arden Arcade on November 17. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as occurring in North Sacramento along Watt and Whitney Avenue shortly before 9:00 p.m. The crash involved a motorist driving a Jaguar, who struck the person who reported the incident. The hit and run accident occurred in front of Liquor Locker. The driver of the car continued on toward Whitney Avenue. The CHP is investigating to determine how the accident happened and is seeking the hit and run driver. If you have any information about the accident, call the local CHP office.
Information on Hit and Run Accidents
California is experiencing the highest number of hit and run accidents since 2009. The state ranks seventh in the country with 347 deaths in 2016, the last year for which tabulated data is available. Nationwide, 2,049 people died in hit and run crashes during the same period. Statistical assessments show that 65 percent of those killed are pedestrians or cyclists. This is due to the lack of protection both groups have.
Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents
Fleeing the accident site is a crime in California. Drivers are obligated to stop and offer contact information and assistance if someone is injured or property is damaged. It doesn’t matter who was at fault for the accident. If you leave, you are committing a crime. The penalties and severity of the charge are linked to the level of injury. Damaging property is charged as a misdemeanor and can include a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. If someone is injured, the consequences of a hit and run are prison time and a fine. The extent of the penalties in a felony hit and run depends on whether another party was seriously injured or killed.
Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Happen?
With the penalties attached to a hit and run accident, it is perplexing to understand why there is a recent uptick in their numbers. There are several common reasons why such accidents happen:
- Use of alcohol: Someone who is inebriated has much to fear when they are involved in an accident. The likelihood they will be administered a Breathalyzer test is high. However, leaving the scene after an accident is not a good choice since it carries considerable penalties too.
- Drug use: Being impaired by drugs or having them in the vehicle can lead to stiff penalties. To avoid this, some drivers choose to flee the accident site.
- Panic: Some drivers are afraid when they are involved in an accident, and they choose to run. This is a poor choice but one that happens frequently.
- Uninsured motorist: In order to drive in California, a motorist must have insurance. The number of uninsured drivers is growing every year. In an effort to not be caught driving an uninsured vehicle, some drivers flee.
Who Pays for the Damages?
A common question clients ask is who will pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the hit and run accident. If they are apprehended, they or their insurance will pay. However, if they are not located, another means of recovering damages is needed. One way to do this is to use your own uninsured motorist protection. California drivers are offered this coverage when they obtain a car policy. If they take it, it will pay for your damages up to the limit of your policy. Uninsured motorist protection covers the driver in a car accident and while he or she is out walking or cycling. However, not everyone takes uninsured motorist protection. If a family member residing with you has it, then their uninsured protection will cover you. The good news is that the premium doesn’t rise when it is used in this way.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
Our firm is ready to protect our clients’ rights and obtain the compensation they deserve. We send our investigative team to the accident site to uncover any evidence pointing to the negligence of the at-fault driver. They interview witnesses, obtain video footage from traffic surveillance and security cameras in the area, and review police reports for errors. The investigators also work to find the fleeing driver. Once this data is amassed, they hand it over to our lawyers, who build a strong case for our client.
Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Car accident lawyer in Sacramento. I am here to help you when you are hurt by a negligent motorist. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve assisted many clients with all varieties of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries since 1982.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Look at the following pages to learn about my practice:
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