Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog
Of all of the types of California car accidents, hit-and-run accidents routinely generate the most questions among accident victims. To start, fleeing the scene after being involved in a car accident is against the law. Depending on certain circumstances, a hit-and-run accident can be graded either as a misdemeanor or as a felony. However, regardless of the grading, a criminal prosecution likely will not result in any victims of a hit-and-run accident being provided with compensation for their injuries.
To receive compensation for injuries sustained in a California hit-and-run accident, a motorist may file a claim with the hit-and-run driver’s insurance policy, if he was located by authorities. However, if the driver was not located, an injured motorist can file a claim with their own insurance policy under the underinsured/uninsured motorist clause. It is important for motorists to read their insurance policy closely because there are strict time limits imposed by the policy language that, if ignored, may result in the insurance company denying a claim.
Another important point for California accident victims to understand is that insurance companies routinely deny coverage or offer reduced compensation to accident victims in hopes of settling the case for as little compensation as possible. In these situations, it is imperative that an accident victim consult with a dedicated California personal injury attorney to discuss their case and devise a plan of action to ensure that they receive the compensation they are entitled to obtain.
Hit-and-Run Accident Leaves Truck Driver Permanently Disabled
Earlier this month, a local news source updated a report that was originally written about a California car accident that occurred in February of last year. According to the most recent report, a man was driving a large commercial truck southbound on Highway 242 when he noticed a fast-approaching white pick-up truck approaching from behind. Evidently, the pick-up truck began to brake too late and crashed into the side of the large truck, causing the driver to lose control. Ultimately, both vehicles ended up veering off the side of the road into some trees.
The driver of the white pick-up truck was not injured in the accident, but the truck driver sustained serious injuries. Some of the most serious injuries were to the driver’s legs, which were totally crushed. The driver spent five months in the ICU and trauma center. Ultimately, the driver needed surgery to both legs, resulting in his inability to move more than a few feet unassisted.
The driver of the white pick-up truck claimed that another driver cut him off, requiring that he make the evasive maneuver that resulted in his vehicle crashing into the truck. As a result, the police report listed the cause of the accident as a hit-and-run, meaning that the company insuring the white pick-up truck would not cover the truck driver’s injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a California Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a California hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated team of California personal injury attorneys at Sharifi Firm has experience handling all types of personal injury cases, including hit-and-run accidents. We work hard on behalf of our clients in negotiations with insurance companies, and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. Call 866-422-7222 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
California Court Discusses Potentially Conflicting Witness Testimony, Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog, January 5, 2018
Third-Party Workers’ Compensation Claims in California, Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog, December 26, 2017