Intersection Accident in Carmichael Caused by Hit-and-Run Driver
A hit-and-run with injuries was reported in Carmichael on November 15 at a local intersection. The accident occurred at Engle Road and Garfield Avenue around 8:30 in the evening, according to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). First responders with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the scene to assess one patient who had a complaint of pain in their leg.
More Information About the Hit-and-Run Accident
The Nissan Altima the individual was riding in had to be towed from the scene. No description was given of the fleeing vehicle. However, the accident is being investigated by the CHP to locate the driver.
Causes of a Hit-and-Run
The number of hit-and-runs has been rising in California. According to the American Automobile Association, the number of fatalities has increased by 7.2 percent yearly since 2006. Some of the reasons a driver flees an accident scene without stopping to offer assistance and exchange information are:
- The driver is intoxicated or has been using drugs.
- The driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.
- The driver has no license or insurance.
- There are warrants out for the driver.
- The driver is in a stolen car or a parent’s vehicle.
- The driver panics and flees from fear. Some of these drivers may contact police later and admit they were involved in the accident once they are able to think more clearly.
Can Fleeing Drivers Be Located?
Our law office has a good record of locating hit-and-run drivers. This is because our investigators comb the site for clues to the fleeing driver’s vehicle and identity and work with local authorities. They also collect evidence that supports the client’s injury claim. Some of the areas in which evidence is sought include:
- Accident reconstruction is performed, which can uphold a client’s compensation claim by showing how the hit-and-run occurred and point toward fault.
- In many cases, clues that can lead to a fleeing driver’s vehicle are found at the accident scene. This can include paint scrapes, pieces of the auto that were dropped in the hit-and-run and tire marks. Evidence of this type can lead to the identification of the make, model and year of manufacture of the vehicle.
- The investigators talk to witnesses to the hit-and-run accident. They may provide valuable information about the vehicle and even a description of the driver.
- The police report is reviewed to ensure its accuracy.
- Traffic surveillance cameras can be a valuable source of evidence, since they may have videotaped the accident as it happened.
When the evidence is all gathered, our experienced injury lawyers go to work. They can use this evidence to construct a strong case that benefits our client. In many cases, it can be used when we negotiate on the client’s behalf with the insurance company. If a fair agreement cannot be reached with the insurance company, the claim can be presented in court.
Using Insurance to Pay for Accident Injuries
In the event the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, our injury lawyers can help a client in another way. Many Californians carry an uninsured/underinsured policy, which is offered to all drivers when they elect to purchase car insurance. This policy will pay for the medical costs and other expenses whether the injury occurred in a motor vehicle or motorcycle, bicycle or while the person was on foot. If the injured person does not carry this add-on insurance and another member of the family in the household does, that can be used instead. The insurance rate does not increase if the policy is used.
Carmichael Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Carmichael car accident lawyer. For my free and friendly advice, phone me at (916) 921-6400 in the Carmichael area. Long-distance callers from Northern California can reach me toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I can also be messaged online.
Two groups I am a proud member of are:
During the past 38 years, our injury lawyers have successfully represented many Carmichael residents with their traffic accident claims, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries.
Discover helpful information about my law office below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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