In 2014, hit-and-run crashes claimed 27 lives and seriously injured 144 people in the Los Angeles area. Of the about 20,000 hit-and-run crashes last year, only 20% of the drivers were found. To combat this societal problem, California lawmakers have passed bill AB 8, a law to implement a program similar to a Colorado program that increased hit-and-run arrests to 76%.
The bill calls for utilizing the already available electronic billboards to ask for information about hit-and-run accidents in the area, similar to the Amber Alert system. A bill similar to AB 8 was vetoed last year due to concerns of the California Highway Patrol that using the signs for hit-and-run crashes could reduce the effectiveness of Amber Alert system. The assemblyman who introduced AB 8 is working with CHP to earn their support.
Hit-and-run crashes can be especially devastating to drivers with liability-only insurance. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker would like to stress the importance of uninsured motorist coverage as a way to protect yourself against hit-and-run drivers. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash and the driver cannot be located, uninsured motorist coverage is your best recourse to treat your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, contact the car accident lawyers of The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at (800) 333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
