Driver Flees Arena Boulevard Off-Ramp Accident
A hit-and-run resulting in injuries occurred on Sacramento’s West Side Freeway on March 9. The collision occurred along the northbound Arena Boulevard off-ramp at the exit from northbound I-5. The vehicle that was struck was found along the right-hand side of the ramp by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers who responded to the call about the crash.
Investigation Ongoing Into Hit-and-Run Accident
Although an injury was reported, no information was provided on whether that person was treated at the scene or transported to a hospital. The accident is currently under investigation to determine how it happened and to locate the driver who fled the scene.
Factors Contributing to Off-Ramp Accidents
Highway ramp accidents occur fairly frequently as a result of driver error. The most common types of highway ramp accidents are:
- The likelihood of a vehicle leaving the roadway increases with speed and poor ramp design.
- A driver could cut off another motorist by suddenly switching lanes where there is little room for a mistake. This can result in a collision and turn into a hit-and-run when the driver leaves the scene.
- Due to the fast speed of cars exiting highways and the narrow lanes, if someone suddenly slows down or stops, it can lead to a rear-end collision.
- An accident caused by a sideswipe can be due to narrow lanes or attempted lane changes.
Finding a Fugitive Driver
Hit-and-run drivers can be held liable for accident injuries they cause when they are found. These drivers can often be identified during an investigation. Throughout the years, my law firm has uncovered a number of hit-and-run drivers for that purpose.
Investigating Accidents Caused by Fleeing Drivers
As soon as possible, our investigative team heads to the accident site so that they can gather the information they need to hold the fleeing driver liable, either through their insurance company or in a civil court of law. In order to locate the driver, evidence is gathered in the following areas:
- During the investigation of the accident that involved the fleeing driver, evidence is collected from the crash site. The make and model of the vehicle can be determined by paint samples and metal pieces dropped from the vehicle.
- The accident is investigated by interviewing witnesses. Witnesses may be able to provide details about the vehicle and driver. Some people have even videotaped the accident or recalled a part of the license plate number, which provides compelling evidence.
- If the collision could have been captured on video, the traffic surveillance cameras in the area are examined.
- An injury victim’s ability to collect compensation may be affected by errors in the police record. For this reason, our investigators examine the report thoroughly.
- In forensic reconstruction, investigators identify how an accident happened and often determine who was at fault. Both insurance companies and courts frequently use this type of evidence.
Using Your Insurance to Receive Compensation
An injured party may be able to recover damages from their uninsured/underinsured insurance policy when the driver is not located following the accident. All California drivers are offered these types of add-on policies when purchasing auto insurance. There is another option available to the injured person if they do not have this additional policy. Another member of the family may have uninsured/underinsured coverage that can be used instead. In the future, the rates will not be affected.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If your accident injuries were the result of a negligent driver, we may be able to help you obtain compensation to pay for your medical costs, lost wages and your pain and suffering. Please contact us at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 long-distance for our free and friendly advice. You can also get in touch with us by messaging online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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