California Assemblyman Mike Gatto said it best: “It’s gotten to the point to where not a single week goes by without seeing another hit-and-run tragedy occurring.” Unfortunately, there are statistics to back up what everyone already knows – hit and run accidents are the new normal in California.As reported by Landlinemag.com, in California there are thousands of hit and run collisions every year. Almost one quarter of these involve some kind of injury or fatality. Fed up with the trend, Mr. Gatto authored a new bill that Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed into law requiring the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to issue a “yellow alert” when hit and runs take place. The new system will go into effect January 1st, 2016.
According to the law, CHP officers will be able to notify the general public around the accident area using highway signs. Currently the signs are used for traffic, drought, and even child abduction warnings. CHP officials will now be able to prioritize traffic warnings depending on the severity of the situation. Any information known about the at-fault driver or their car would be immediately broadcasted, making it harder for them to get away.
Even with the new system of warnings in place, drivers and pedestrians must be on the lookout for dangerous or out of control drivers. If you’re involved in a hit and run, report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Hit and run collisions are classified as a crime and the at-fault driver can be held on criminal charges if caught.
If you’re injured or lose a loved one in a hit and run accident in Sacramento, you may have grounds to take legal action. Contact the Demas Law Group, P.C., today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
We can be reached at (916) 444-0100.
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