Victims of hit-and-run car accidents have legal protections they should be aware of. A hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian on Florida’s West Coast recently resulted in the arrest of the driver involved. In a community a couple of hours travel time northwest of the Tampa Bay area, a 22-year old women has been accused of hitting a male pedestrian and then fleeing the scene. The driver is accused of hitting the homeless man with her SUV before stopping briefly and then leaving the scene without offering any help or assistance.
The driver and her SUV were later located at a restaurant, and the woman reportedly made incriminating statements to police. The homeless man was struck while holding a sign. Witnesses provided details of the hit-and-run accident, and the police worked to collect as much evidence concerning the hit-and-run as possible. The crash was described as “violent” and reportedly sent the victim flying into the air. Witnesses described the car that hit him as coming out of nowhere.
The victim of the hit-and-run accident remains in the hospital following the accident with injuries that are described as critical. Victims of hit-and-run accidents may face many challenges following being unexpectedly hit and harmed by a careless driver. Negligent drivers may be liable to victims for the harm they have suffered, and may be required to pay compensation to them for the damage , including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
A legal claim for damages can help victims of car accidents or hit-and-run accidents recover compensation for their damages and options may be available even when authorities are unable to locate or identify the negligent driver responsible for the injuries the victim have suffered. It is important for victims of hit-and-run accidents to be familiar with the different legal protections that can help them depending on the situation they find themselves in.
Source: Wesh.com, “Woman arrested in hit-and-run crash in Cocoa,” Adrian Whitesett, Sept. 13, 2016
