Vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the cause, a person involved in a car crash is required to remain at the scene. Hit and run accidents often result in criminal charges once police identify the driver involved. For example, a woman in Colorado now faces multiple charges after police say she failed to remain at the scene of a fatal crash.
The alleged incident happened at an intersection on a Colorado road. A woman is believed to have left the scene after she caused a collision with another vehicle. Reports indicate that the driver of that second vehicle suffered serious injuries. A 37-year-old passenger in that same vehicle passed away.
The suspected driver of the first vehicle was recently arrested. Police suspect that she was drinking prior to the accident. They further claim that she was speeding excessively at the time of the collision. She is charged with vehicular assault, vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.
While the criminal justice system in Colorado will pursue charges against the woman, the family of the deceased victim as well as the injured driver may be facing financial hardship as a result of the accident. Funeral expenses, lost wages and medical costs can quickly become overwhelming. As a result, victims of hit and run accidents often seek recompense in a civil court. If it can be proved than an accident was caused by negligence, victims — including surviving family members — could receive an award of damages to help them cope with any financial ramifications.
Source: CBS Denver, “Woman Charged In Deadly Hit & Run Crash“, Feb. 6, 2017