Some of the most tragic accidents involve drivers who leave the scene of an accident after injuring or killing someone. Pedestrian accidents in particular can cause very serious injuries. One man was recently charged with a hit-and-run after an accident that left one pedestrian injured on North Franklin Turnpike.
The 56-year-old New Yorker had been walking across a road on the turnpike when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver quickly left the scene, leaving the pedestrian on the road severely injured. Officers found the pedestrian, who was then rushed to a local hospital. He is in critical condition after suffering a skull fracture, brain bleed and broken pelvis.
The driver of the vehicle parked his car near a condominium complex after the accident. A resident recognized that the vehicle had a broken grille and dents and called the police. The police then matched the vehicle to the driver and found that the damage was likely to have occurred in a pedestrian accident. The driver is now charged with driving on a suspended license, endangering an injured victim and leaving the scene, among other charges. He is being held in jail in lieu of $25,000 with a 10 percent option.
Over 10 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur on U.S. highways. A pedestrian who is seriously injured in an accident may be able to recover damages by filing a negligence claim against any driver who did not exercise due care behind the wheel and was at fault for the accident. However, it is important to note that pedestrians are also obligated to use an appropriate level of care to protect themselves while on the highway. People traveling, whether by foot or by car, need to be aware of all of the dangers on the road.
Source: NJ.com, “Mahwah man charged in hit-and-run accident that severely injured N.Y. man,” Dan Ivers, Aug. 17, 2014
Source: NJ.com, “Mahwah man charged in hit-and-run accident that severely injured N.Y. man,” Dan Ivers, Aug. 17, 2014
