Hit-and-Run Incident on US101 in San Francisco Leaves Motorist Injured

A hit-and-run collision occurred early Saturday morning on the northbound US101 near Ellis Street in San Francisco, leaving one motorist injured. The incident was reported at approximately 5:04 AM on October 12, 2024. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision involved two vehicles, one of which fled the scene.

Initial reports indicate that a dark-colored vehicle collided with a blue Hyundai sedan, which was subsequently found on the right-hand side of the road with significant rear-end damage. The driver of the Hyundai was reportedly bleeding from the hand but declined medical transport. The other vehicle involved in the collision remains unidentified, and authorities are actively searching for any leads.

The incident caused significant disruption to traffic, with the number one lane blocked for several hours as emergency services and towing companies worked to clear the scene. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant for any suspicious vehicles that may have been involved in the hit-and-run. The CHP urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation. Our thoughts are with the injured driver, and we hope for a swift recovery.

Potential Legal Considerations

In a hit-and-run accident, the driver who leaves the scene can be held legally responsible for any harm caused. This is because they have a duty to stop and help if someone is hurt. When they don’t, they are being negligent, which means they are not acting as a reasonable person would. The victims of such accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident.

Victims can file a claim with their own insurance company if the driver who caused the accident is not found. Many insurance policies have something called “uninsured motorist coverage.” This can help cover the costs when the person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance or can’t be identified. It’s important for victims to report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible to start this process.

If the driver who caused the accident is found, the victims can file a claim against that driver’s insurance. The insurance company may then pay for the damages up to the limits of the policy. If the damages are more than what the insurance covers, the victims might need to take further legal action to get the full amount they deserve. This could involve going to court and proving that the driver was at fault.

In any case, it’s important for victims to keep detailed records of everything related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair costs, and any other expenses. Having this information can help when filing insurance claims or if the case goes to court. Victims should also consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases to understand their rights and options.