Hit-and-Run Tow Truck Driver Charged 

Tow Truck Pulling Red Corvette Hits Telephone Pole

A hit-and-run driver was arrested following a collision with a telephone pole in North Highlands in the morning’s early hours. The accident happened around 4:31 a.m. along Roseville Road just east of Watt Avenue. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a call was received by a witness to the accident, who said the crash involved a driver in a tow truck, pulling a red Corvette. 

That driver left the scene of the accident, which sheared the telephone pole off at the base. Authorities located the Dodge Ram tow truck involved in the crash and reportedly found a driver’s license and two open cans of beer inside the vehicle. Toxicology was called to the scene to administer a test for intoxication. The female driver was placed under arrest for misdemeanor hit and run. 

Paying for Damages

 We take finding the fleeing driver seriously, and our investigators work hard to do this. However, there are times when the hit-and-run driver cannot be found. Our firm does not believe that clients should have to pay for the damages caused by another driver. Keeping this in mind, we help our clients by showing them how to use their uninsured/underinsured policy to cover the medical expenses and other costs. 

What Is a Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run?

Under California Vehicle Code 20002, leaving the scene of an accident involving property destruction, including a motor vehicle, is a hit-and-run misdemeanor. According to California law, the driver must stop and try to locate the property owner. Once the property owner or person in charge is found, the driver must provide identifying information such as their driver’s license and registration. 

If the owner/party in charge cannot be located, the driver is expected to leave their name and address or that of the vehicle’s owner in a conspicuous place. This includes under the windshield-wiper blade or taped to other damaged property. As soon as possible, the driver must notify either the local police department or the CHP about the crash. 

If these rules are not followed, the driver can be considered to have left the accident scene. Since only property is involved, the hit-and-run would be considered a misdemeanor. A driver who parks their vehicle and it becomes a runaway car can be held to the same rules concerning notification and identification. 

Drunk Driving

Impaired drivers are incapable of making safe decisions and focusing on the job at hand. They leave the scene of the accident for two reasons. First, they are afraid of being discovered as a drunk driver, and two, they forget what they should do in the situation. This combination puts them at a high risk of being charged with a hit-and-run accident. 

Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Despite high penalties for a hit-and-run, drivers continue to flee an accident scene. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as:

  • An intoxicated driver: Drivers who are driving while impaired are afraid of being caught if they stop after being in an accident. Sometimes, they will turn themselves in after the alcohol has left their system. 
  • Warrants are pending: Drivers with outstanding warrants are also afraid of stopping after an accident since they know the police will discover the warrant. 
  • Unlicensed or suspended license: Drivers who do not have a driver’s license or who have had their license suspended often do not stop at an accident.
  • Drug use: A driver impaired by drugs or one who has them in their vehicle will generally keep going after a crash.
  • Panic: This is a common reason a driver flees the accident scene. Many times, the driver will think it through and contact the police later.

Investigating a Hit-and-Run Crash

Our firm dispatches investigators to the accident site to gather evidence that points to fault. Proof of fault is a critical element in successfully resolving an accident case and locating a hit-and-run driver. The investigators interview witnesses and check police reports for mistakes. Accident reconstruction is performed to determine liability and video from various sources is obtained. After all the data is gathered, our investigators release it to our legal team, who build a robust case for our clients.

Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

I am Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. As an injury lawyer, I provide my clients with the insight and help they need to win their case. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online.

I’ve helped clients obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic injuries.

Learn more about my practice on the pages listed below:

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