Elkhorn Boulevard Intersection Hit and Run Causes Injuries
A hit and run happened in North Highlands on September 14, causing injuries, and drunk driving might have been the cause. The accident was reported at around 9:00 in the morning at Elkhorn Boulevard and Watt Avenue’s intersection. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), one of the drivers in the accident, which involved four to five vehicles, abandoned their van and just walked away down the road.
Drunk Driving Suspected in Accident
Most of the vehicles were unmovable, and a tow truck operator was asked to move one out of the roadway so traffic could pass. Valley toxicology was called to come to North Highlands to check at least one person, who was suspected of drunk driving. CHP investigators in North Highlands are conducting an investigation to determine the crash’s cause and locate the hit and run driver. No information was supplied on whether the injured parties were treated at the scene and released or transported to a hospital for additional treatment.
Hit and Run Collisions
Accidents that involve a fleeing driver happen all too frequently in Sacramento County. Rather than staying behind and exchanging information as required by law, they flee the scene. Since a hit and run that results in injuries can be charged as a felony, leaving the scene can be a wrong decision.
Often, the driver is in a stolen vehicle, has no insurance, or dodges the law for other reasons. However, my office has a good record of locating fleeing drivers. When they are found, their insurance can cover the cost of a client’s injuries or the case can be taken to court.
Insurance Claims for Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
In some cases, the hit and run driver cannot be located. However, there is another option for an injured party to recover damages. This is through uninsured/underinsured insurance. This optional policy is offered when a motorist purchases car insurance, and many people opt-in because of the high number of uninsured or underinsured drivers in the area.
The injured person can use their own uninsured policy to cover their injuries. If they do not carry this add-on policy and another member of the residence does, theirs can be used instead. Insurance rates remain unaffected.
Drunk Drivers and Traffic Accidents
Despite educational efforts and an increased police presence, drunk drivers continue to be a problem in Sacramento County. They cause many accident injuries and fatalities every year. There are many reasons a drunk driver should not get behind the wheel of a car, including:
- Concentration is affected
- Reaction time is slowed
- Blurred vision and the ability to track is not present
- The driver can no longer make rational decisions
- Coordination is reduced
How an Accident Is Investigated
Evidence is gathered by our investigators to support a client’s compensation claim. They begin by interviewing witnesses and looking for inaccuracies in the police report. Accident reconstruction is conducted and videos are sought from surveillance cameras.
They also look for signs of possible government negligence, such as malfunctioning signals and obscured signs. Our lawyers use the gathered evidence to prepare a strong case that favors our client’s compensation claim.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer. When negligence caused your injury, you may want to place a claim for fair compensation from the at-fault party. This can reimburse you for your pain and suffering, your medical costs, and lost wages.
I can offer you my free and friendly advice when you call me at (916) 921-6400. The number for those phoning from long-distance is (800) 404-5400. Another option is to fill out the short online contact form.
From traffic crashes to wrongful death cases and all types of traumatic injuries, I’ve helped Sacramento and North Highlands residents obtain fair compensation since 1982.
You can discover more about my law firm at the following links:
I am honored to have been awarded membership in the following:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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