Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident can often make an unfortunate situation worse. If a person has been hit by a vehicle and the driver does not stop to help, that person could suffer unnecessarily. Additionally, the individual in the vehicle could potentially face serious charges if the hit and run accident leads to a fatality. If the driver is convicted, the family of the victim may use that conviction as evidence in a civil case.
A woman in Texas was recently convicted on felony charges after being involved in a hit and run that led to another woman’s death. It was reported that the woman had hit a bicyclist while driving her truck and that she did not remain on the scene of the accident. The woman had apparently thought she struck a tree, which was her reasoning for not aiding the victim.
During the trial, the defense stated that the bicyclist was not riding in the proper bicycle lane, which contributed to the accident. However, after deliberation, the jury convicted the driver on the felony charges of failure to stop and render aid. She was sentenced to 15 years in jail as a result of the verdict.
A Personal Injury Attorney can Help Win Financial Compensation from Hit and Run Drivers
Because the criminal trial for the driver involved in the hit and run accident is over, the family of the victim may wish to now move forward with a civil case if they have not done so already. By filing a wrongful death claim, the family may be able to pursue restitution for their loss and subsequent damages. Because the driver was convicted of the criminal charges, that conviction could potentially increase the chances of success for a civil claim relating to the Texas tragedy.
Source: chron.com, “Woman sentenced to 15 years in prison in hit-and-run bike death“, Dug Begley, Dec. 11, 2014
