Holidays can bring more traffic than any normal day. With the rush of shopping, visiting family and friends, and dining out, there is also a rise in foot traffic. During the excitement of a holiday celebration, a deadly hit-and-run pedestrian accident can quickly remind Connecticut holiday shoppers of the dangerous combination of high traffic areas and negligent drivers.
In December of 2016, a 71-year-old grandmother was shopping for Christmas gifts. As she was crossing the street, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The driver quickly left the scene, abandoning the victim and his responsibility in the accident. Unfortunately, the elderly woman later succumbed to her injuries.
After evading arrest for several months, the driver was brought to justice after police were able to track the car to the owner. Recently, the driver plead guilty to tampering with evidence and evading responsibility in a motor vehicle death. The driver avoided a possible 25-year sentence if his case had gone to trial. He will now spend at least 10 years in prison for taking the life of another.
A hit-and-run pedestrian accident can be vexing for the victim and the victim’s family as they seek justice. Once the driver is apprehended by law enforcement, Connecticut victims and surviving families can take comfort in knowing they have the right to file personal injury and wrongful death civil claims. A successful litigated claim can help recover damages from an accident to cover the cost of medical bills or all end-of-life expenses in the event of a fatal tragedy.
Source: wtnh.com, “Waterbury man gets 10-plus years for hit-and-run that killed a grandmother“, Kels Dayton, Feb. 23, 2018
