Being struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street or walking alongside the shoulder of the road is a physically traumatizing events. For victims involved in auto-pedestrian accidents in which the drivers flee the scenes, the emotional impacts for victims and their families can be just as severe as the physical injuries. A recent hit-and-run accident ended the life of a pedestrian, but Colorado authorities eventually caught up with the driver.
Just prior to being struck, the 77-year-old pedestrian was crossing the street near a signed intersection. The driver of an approaching vehicle apparently stopped at the stop sign but then proceeded to make a left-hand turn into the intersection where the pedestrian was crossing. He struck the elderly man and then quickly fled the scene.
Emergency responders transported the victim to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead nearly two weeks after the accident. During that time, police continued investigations into the accident and worked toward identifying the driver. They made an arrest on April 19, after following leads based the vehicle’s description and license plate. The driver — a 17-year-old male — has since been charged with three misdemeanors and a felony related to the hit-and-run accident.
The loss of life is a tragedy no matter the victim’s age. Colorado families grieving the loss of loved ones due to auto-pedestrian accidents and other avoidable accidents tend to feel uncertain about their legal options. Families can usually address unexpected funeral and other end-of-life expenses by filing wrongful death suits against the liable drivers. This type of claim does not take the place of criminal charges and can even utilize the same evidence collected by authorities in order to prove liability and achieve necessary compensation.
Source: journal-advocate.com, “Teen arrested in car vs. pedestrian hit and run“, Sara Waite, April 19, 2016
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