Pedestrian accidents: Driver arrested after deadly hit and run

A Missouri man was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident in which one person died. The families of those who are killed in pedestrian accidents typically struggle to move forward if the drivers are not identified. Fortunately, in most cases of hit and run accidents, law enforcement catches up with the drivers sooner or later.

In a recent case, a 33-year-old Cape Girardeau man was arrested a day after he allegedly drove off after knocking down a 49-year-old pedestrian. The pedestrian did not survive the accident. In this instance, the police were contacted by a woman who said she had reason to believe her brother was involved in an unreported accident. She told authorities that her brother had borrowed her car.

The driver’s sister directed authorities to his home where she pointed out her pickup truck. The vehicle had damage consistent with one that had been involved in a pedestrian accident. The man admitted hitting something while driving the previous night but said he saw nothing on the road. He was arrested and charged with leaving an accident scene with injuries, and he is on a cash only bond of $10,000. Authorities said more charges are pending.

Following fatal pedestrian accidents, the surviving family members may pursue recovery of financial and other losses. Wrongful death claims may be filed in a Missouri civil court. Before the court can enter a monetary judgment, the plaintiffs will have to establish negligence on the part of the hit and run driver. This will allow the court to adjudicate all the documented claims that may include economic losses and emotional damages sustained.

Source: kfvs12.com, “Name of suspect in custody in connection with deadly hit-and-run released”, Joshua Murray, Sept. 13, 2016