Sonoma, CA (October 26, 2023) A 19-year-old driver rear-ended another vehicle in Sonoma on October 19th, according to Sonoma Police Sgt. Scott McKinnon. The accident occurred at the intersection of Fourth Street East and Lovall Valley Road.
The Sonoma Police Department received a call about a hit-and-run that left the driver of a 2013 Nissan Altima with a damaged vehicle. Authorities said the teen driver rear-ended the Nissan and then panicked and fled the scene. Witnesses said the owner of the Nissan sadly began picking up pieces of his severely damaged vehicle from the road.
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Not long after the accident occurred, the teenage driver returned to the scene with his father. The young man apologized and the father exchanged insurance information with the driver of the Nissan. With the exchange of information, the Sonoma Police Department not longer considered the accident a hit-and-run. Sgt. McKinnon added that the adolescent driver was “extremely remorseful.”
Police officers said the young man was not intoxicated at the time of the accident and panicked following the collision.
Liability In Sonoma Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Sonoma Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our condolences to the man whose vehicle was damaged in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Sonoma car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.