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Four Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

smashed carOn August 11, an SUV impacted a Honda sedan on North 16th Street, causing the car to flip sideways onto the sidewalk, collide with a parking lot gate, and slam into a pedestrian crossing signal.

The Honda was severely damaged, and its four occupants, including a two-year-old boy, were taken to U.C. Davis Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash, which occurred just before 4:00 pm, caused major outbound traffic congestion as downtown commuters headed toward Highway 160 after work.

The 19-year-old driver of the SUV fled the scene immediately after the collision, but she was arrested a few hours later for assault with a deadly weapon. The crash may have been an intentional act of aggression or road rage.

One of the passengers in the Honda reportedly told an eyewitness that she believes the collision was not an accident, because the SUV driver had gone to her house before and flattened her tires. The police have not confirmed any past animosity between the SUV driver and the people in the Honda, but police did say that they know each other.  

An eyewitness also relayed that an officer at the scene stated that, because the toddler was secured in the correct type of car seat, he likely avoided more serious injuries.

While it has not yet been confirmed if this accident was caused by road rage, we know that angry, retaliatory behavior while behind the wheel can be dangerous. Road rage increases the likelihood of an accident, similar to reckless driving, distracted driving, speeding and drowsy driving.

If you have been injured in any of these types of car accidents, contact the Sacramento car accident lawyers at The Arnold Law Firm for a free consultation. If you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, or other bills, a personal injury attorney from our firm will work to help you get the maximum compensation.

Call us today at (916) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Review.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.