Drivers are legally obligated to remain on the scene of an accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident is often times seen as an admission of guilt. A hit-and-run driver can face serious criminal penalties, especially when there are victims who have suffered injuries as a result of the crash. Those who have suffered at the hands of a hit-and-run driver have rights. If accident investigators later discover the location of a hit-and-run driver and that driver is arrested, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the driver.
According to reports, New York state police are trying to track down the location of a hit-and-run driver who allegedly fled the scene of a chain-reaction crash. The crash occurred when, the hit-and-run driver unsafely changed lanes. As a result, the driver’s car struck another car, propelling the other car to cross the path of an SUV. The SUV flipped over a number of times before finally coming to a stop at the highway’s shoulder. According to troopers, the driver who caused the initial crash fled from the scene of the accident.
Two children and a woman in the SUV were injured as a result of the crash. According to police, a child seat likely saved the life of one of the 7-year-old passengers. Another passenger, 9, also managed to walk away from the accident with only minor injuries, as did the woman who was driving the SUV.
Injuries resulting from car accidents can be life altering. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, injuries can also result in financial burdens for victims. Victims sometimes pursue compensation from a driver who is suspected to have caused an accident. By doing so, they are sometimes able to receive financial relief.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “3 hurt in hit-and-run crash on New York highway,” May 21, 2014
