Losing a loved one in a hit-and-run accident is understandably traumatic. A Missouri family, including five children, has to cope with a father’s death after he was struck by a car in the second of two recent pedestrian accidents in St. Louis. Only two days before this incident, another man lost his life in a pedestrian accident not far from the scene of the second tragedy.

According to family members, the man was walking home after work at approximately 8 p.m. He stopped to collect food at a restaurant and proceeded on his way home — which was only a few minutes away. Reports from witnesses stated that the man was crossing a street in a crosswalk when a speeding driver disregarded a red traffic light.

The pedestrian was struck and was apparently dragged along for about half the length of a football field. The driver apparently never stopped. Unfortunately, witnesses failed to get the vehicle’s license plate number, and only reported the color as being dark. Fortunately, the traffic lights at that intersection are fitted with cameras, and there may be video footage that may assist authorities with identifying the hit-and-run driver.

In order to pursue compensation for end-of-life expenses, surviving family members will have to wait until the alleged hit-and-run driver is identified and located. Nevertheless, drivers who are involved in such accidents are often apprehended by authorities. At that time, family members of deceased victims of pedestrian accidents may file wrongful death claims in a Missouri civil court. Successful presentation of documented evidence of negligence may lead to a monetary judgment for losses sustained.

Source: fox2now.com, “Hit-and-run victim identified; suspect still at large“, Chris Regnier, April 13, 2015