A bicyclist suffered a head injury after a collision caused by a hit-and-run driver in Napa on Sunday afternoon, August 27, 2023. The Napa Police Department responded to the Marin Street and Central Avenue crash around 12:31 p.m. Authorities stated that the bicyclist was knocked off their bike after being struck by a car that was backing up. There was no mention of whether the victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment after suffering a cut to the head. Officials said the driver was nowhere near the scene. A 45-year-old male, identified as Miguel L., was spotted and apprehended by authorities near Pacific Street and Central Avenue. The driver was taken to the Napa County jail on suspicion of fleeing the scene of an accident, causing injuries There were no other details released about the crash. An investigation is still going on.
Reputable Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Napa, CA
In California, seeking compensation for injuries or death sustained in a hit-and-run accident is possible. You will either receive payment from your insurance company. It is also possible for you to file a lawsuit. You can sue for damages when someone’s negligence causes severe injury or property damage. You should contact a California hit-and-run lawyer if this is the case.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
It is still possible to find the suspect, even though the driver fled the accident scene. In the event that you pursue a legal claim for damages, following the steps outlined below will make it easier for law enforcement to locate and detain the offender. Here are some guidelines to follow after a hit-and-run accident:
- Seek immediate medical assistance: It is important not to postpone seeking medical attention, even if you feel fine. Make it a priority to see a doctor promptly if you have sustained significant injuries.
- Report to the police: Immediately report the details to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report from the police station or the California DMV.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your private insurance company promptly about the hit-and-run accident.
- Gather accident scene data: Collect as much information as possible from the accident scene, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle involved.
- Obtain witness information: Assemble potential witnesses’ contact information (names and numbers) and gather this information quickly.
- Consult with our lawyers: Before accepting any settlement offers from other insurance providers, it is advisable to consult with our California hit-and-run accident lawyer.
I HAD AN ACCIDENT
Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
In the United States, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without rendering aid or reporting it. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 737,100 documented cases of hit-and-run accidents in the US in 2015, equating to approximately one incident occurring every 43 seconds. The number of hit-and-run incidents reached a record high in 2016, resulting in the tragic loss of 2,049 lives. From 2010 to 2019, 2,948 hit-and-run incidents in California resulted in 3,056 fatalities. These statistics reveal a significantly higher incidence of such occurrences than in other states.