A car accident in Sacramento resulted in serious injuries for 28-year-old Daniel Zipay who was helping victims of another accident. The Sacramento Bee reports that the Zipay was trying to place reflective triangles at the crash site when he was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene. Zipay sustained leg and pelvic fractures. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The article also states that a suspected drunk driver was under arrest for causing the earlier two-vehicle collision, which Zipay was helping with.
I sympathize with Zipay, who stopped to help someone and got injured in the process. I trust this hit-and-run driver will be apprehended and brought to justice. I pray that he recovers quickly and fully from his injuries.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 17,158 hit-and-run collisions that resulted in fatalities or injuries in the state of California. A majority of these were injury car accidents. Also, 247 people were killed in 2008 due to hit-and-run crashes in all of California.
Laws and Liability Issues
In this particular case, the driver who struck Zipay violated California Vehicle Code 20001 (a), which requires motorists to remain at the scene of an accident. Drivers are required to exchange important information and obtain medical assistance for the injured victim. Drunk driving is also a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): "It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle."
In such cases, it would be in the best interest of injured victims and their families to contact a reputed Sacramento personal injury lawyer, who will advise injured victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In cases where multiple vehicles or multiple parties are concerned, it would be best for the victims not to provide statements or talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties. These investigations can become rather complex and it would be in your best interest to talk to your own attorney first – someone who will protect your legal rights and look out for your best interests.
Would you be more inclined to report information about hit-and-run drivers if you could provide it anonymously?
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
