A motor accident can involve a rather convoluted claims process, particularly when the driver at fault remains unidentified. Considering the number of bicyclists in California who succumb to fatal injuries as a result of hit-and-run accidents. The passing of a new law aimed at ensuring their safety is nothing short of timely. Action News Now reports on this and other traffic laws that take effect on the New Year.

“Bicycles: Passing Distance. AB 1371 (Bradford), known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, will require a motor vehicle driver passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction to pass with no less than 3 feet between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or driver. When three feet is not possible, the motor vehicle must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist. Failing to do so can incur a fine, regardless of a collision or not. This law will take effect September 16, 2014.”

California traffic laws specify the duty of every driver involved in a collision to stop at the accident scene, notify the authorities, provide assistance, and exchange contact information with the other parties. Failure to comply with these requirements can constitute a hit and run offense. Sadly, not all erring motorists are willing to own up to their mistakes and provide the necessary redress to the aggrieved parties.

Hit and runs that result in vehicle or property damage alone typically constitute misdemeanor offenses. On the other hand, those that involve serious injury or death are classified as felonies. Accident victims will accordingly need the legal assistance of a competent Sacramento car accident lawyer who will prepare the necessary evidence and establish the hit-and-run driver’s liability.

Meanwhile, car accident victims can take consolation in the fact that a reliable Sacramento car accident attorney from a trusted firm such as Carter Wolden Curtis won’t charge a single cent until after satisfactory resolution has been reached. Such an arrangement ensures that victims don’t suffer any further financial losses and are instead able to focus on their recovery.

(Article Informtion and Image from DMV Reminds Motorists of New 2014 Laws, California Department of Motor Vehicles, 23 December 2013)