Police reported that a 53-year-old driver hit a 24-year-old pedestrian in Durham on Sept. 27. According to authorities, the 8:30 p.m. accident happened near the Durham Fairgrounds.
Authorities said that the 24-year-old woman was walking south along Route 17 when she was struck by a vehicle driven by the 53-year-old woman at the Route 79 intersection. Following the pedestrian accident, the 53-year-old driver allegedly fled the scene of the incident without stopping. Reportedly, other motorists forced the woman to stop her vehicle more than a mile south of where the accident occurred.
Emergency personnel transported the 24-year-old woman to Middlesex Hospital. Subsequently, officials transferred the pedestrian via LifeStar to Hartford Hospital for further treatment of the injuries she suffered in the collision. The extent of her injuries was not clear immediately following the accident.
Law enforcement officials detained the 53-year-old woman. Officials reportedly charged her with multiple offenses, including DUI and evading responsibility.
When drivers are involved in a pedestrian accident resulting in injury or death, they must by law remain at the scene of the crash. People who default on this legal duty may face not only criminal charges but also civil action, especially if the accident had been caused by the drivers’ actionable behavior, such as excessive speeding or impaired driving. For, victims of pedestrian accidents may retain a personal injury lawyer and file suit against the at-fault driver. In this way, victims may seek restitution for the damages they suffered in connection with the event. These damages may include but are not limited to hospital bills, rehabilitation costs and even lost wages if the victims’ injuries proved to be disabling.
Source: FOX CT, “Driver Accused In Hit and Run Outside Durham Fair Appears In Court”, Matt Schwartz, September 29, 2014
