Most California residents know what to do if they become involved in a motor vehicle accident — remain at the scene until the authorities arrive. Most people would agree this action is not only the right thing to do from an ethical standpoint, but it is also the law. Unfortunately, some people seem to have a knee-jerk reaction to flee the scene immediately following a crash. This illegal and selfish action could not only lead to a worse outcome for crash victims left behind, but it also leaves investigators with less information to work with while they try to determine the cause.
Vehicle struck and forced off freeway
In a recent example of a hit-and-run crash, a driver suffered serious injuries when another vehicle struck him on state Route 94 in Lemon Grove. The incident happened very early on a recent Thursday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, the sedan that was hit was forced off the freeway and traveled up an embankment where it struck a signpost.
Driver flees crash scene
Apparently, the vehicle was seriously damaged, and the driver ended up on the roadway. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries. The CHP has said the driver that hit the sedan fled from the scene in his vehicle following the crash, but thanks to witnesses who recorded the licence plate, they were able to find the damaged hit-and-run vehicle at the registered owner’s home.
It is not clear whether police have yet charged the driver who seems to have caused the crash. No doubt, he or she will face some criminal charges, at the very least for leaving the scene of an accident. However, if investigative evidence indicates negligent and/or reckless behavior on the part of this driver led to the crash, the victim and/or his family may choose to look into their options within the California civil justice system. They could sit down with an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the case details and discuss the best route for them moving forward.