Accident on a Cap City Freeway Exit Ramp Injures Pedestrian
On January 7, a pedestrian injury occurred after a male was struck by a hit-and-run driver just off the northbound Cap City Freeway in Sacramento. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the crash at around 4:15 in the afternoon on the Marconi Avenue exit ramp in the Arden-Arcade area. Sacramento Fire Department emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene to assess the pedestrian’s injuries.
Hit-and-Run Causes Serious Pedestrian Injury
Although information about the extent of those injuries was not released, the vehicle transporting the pedestrian to a hospital had its lights and sirens on, which might indicate serious trauma. The accident is being investigated by the CHP to find out how the pedestrian injury occurred and to locate the hit-and-run driver.
Pedestrians on Highways or Ramps
In California, a driver whose vehicle becomes disabled on a highway may walk to the closest exit to use a phone to call for assistance. Motorists sharing the roadway have the duty of care to be watchful of individuals sharing the roadway on the side and not cause them harm. If an accident does occur, the motorist has the responsibility to remain at the scene and exchange information or offer assistance if the pedestrian is injured. Leaving the scene of an accident that results in a pedestrian injury is considered a hit-and-run, which can result in felony charges.
Locating a Hit-and-Run Driver in a Pedestrian Injury
Authorities do a good job in locating hit-and-run drivers, and my law firm expands that search by conducting our own investigation. We send out investigators to the pedestrian injury scene as soon as possible to collect evidence that not only supports our client’s compensation claim but can help identify the fleeing driver. Among the areas covered by our investigators are:
- Traffic accidents often leave behind evidence of the vehicles involved. In a hit-and-run, pieces of the vehicle may have been dropped that can help identify the make and model, as well as tire marks that can offer clues.
- Most hit-and-run accidents cause serious damage to the fleeing vehicle, including dents in fenders or the grill and a broken windshield. Checking with local auto repair businesses can help locate the fleeing driver.
- Witnesses to the accident can offer helpful information. In some cases, a witness has taped the accident with a cell phone, which can help identify the driver and vehicle. In others, a witness may have memorized the license plate number. Even recalling two or three of the numbers of a license plate is a big help.
- Other videos such as those captured on traffic surveillance cameras or security units at nearby businesses can show the accident in real-time. By seeing the vehicle as it leaves the scene, it is possible to capture the license plate number and thus identify the hit-and-run car.
- Accident reconstruction techniques are often used to determine liability.
Paying for Accident Injuries
Although police work very hard to find the fleeing driver, there are times when that is not possible. However, the injured party should not be responsible for the financial cost of the accident. That is why we help our clients use their uninsured/underinsured auto insurance to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
This insurance is offered to all California drivers. In the event that a client has not opted for this policy, it is possible for them to use another family member’s uninsured/underinsured insurance. There is no rate increase when this is used.
Sacramento Injury Lawyers
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento Injury Lawyer. Pedestrian injuries are often severe or fatal. If you suffered an injury caused by negligence, I have free, friendly advice to offer. You can contact me at (916) 921-6400 or at the toll-free number (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available too.
AutoAccident.com has helped Northern Californians to get the compensation they deserve in traffic collisions, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths since 1982.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/pedestrians-people-busy-movement-400811/
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