Nissan Altima Struck by Unidentified Fleeing Vehicle
A hit and run accident in Elverta left at least one person injured on February 25. The accident happened when a Nissan Altima was struck by an unidentified vehicle along westbound Dutch Haven Boulevard just east of Covered Wagon Circle shortly after 12:00 noon. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the accident as a hit and run, resulting in injuries. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assess those injured in the crash. A tow truck removed the vehicle about 40 minutes later. The collision is being investigated by the CHP to determine how it happened, assign fault, and see if alcohol or drugs were involved in the hit and run accident. The injured person was evaluated by first responders for transfer to a local hospital. The extent of the person’s injuries has yet to be announced.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are a dangerous situation in Sacramento County. Despite criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time, the number of hit and run accidents has escalated recently. Some of the reasons for this are listed below:
- Fear: Panic after a car accident is common. Although leaving the scene of the accident puts the person at a greater risk for serious consequences, fear makes them run.
- Drunk driving: Drivers who are inebriated often leave the scene of the accident because they fear being caught. With the number of drunk drivers on the road, this is a huge problem in the Sacramento area.
- Drivers with warrants: Some drivers have a warrant outstanding for parking tickets or other issues. This may cause them to flee the scene of an accident.
Paying for Damages in a Hit and Run Accident
A common question clients ask after a hit and run accident is who will pay for the damages if the perpetrator is not found. While our investigators work alongside police to apprehend the fleeing driver, there are times they avoid capture. When this happens, it is possible to use your own uninsured driver insurance to pay for damages. In California, with its large numbers of uninsured/underinsured drivers, all motor vehicle operators are offered this coverage. It protects the driver in a vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian accident. If the injured driver does not have this coverage, they can use a family member’s uninsured insurance. It can be used without penalty for hit and run accidents where the perpetrator cannot be found.
How an Attorney Can Help in a Hit and Run Accident
In a hit and run accident, our firm understands the need for immediate action. We dispatch our investigators to the scene of the crash as soon as possible to avoid lost evidence. They search the area around the crash and interview witnesses who saw the hit and run accident. They also obtain videos of the accident from traffic surveillance cameras. Our investigators review police reports for mistakes since this record is widely used in insurance company negotiations and in a civil trial. Once the evidence is amassed, it is released to our legal team to build a strong case for our client.
Elverta Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elverta car accident lawyer. When you’ve suffered an accident injury caused by negligence, it’s a good idea to have an experienced lawyer by your side to get the compensation you deserve. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice, or reach me toll-free at (800) 404-5400. Others prefer to message me using the online contact form.
For 38 years, I’ve helped Elverta residents get the compensation they deserve in all types of traffic accidents, traumas such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
I am honored to be a member of the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
At the following links, you will find reviews by former clients of mine as well as cases we have handled:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
:cd llo [cs 664]