One might think that most everyone in Naples (even those that have not been involved in car accidents) would know what to do immediately after a collision. After ensuring everyone’s safety, those involved should contact local law enforcement authorities (as well as first responders, if they are needed) and then proceed to exchange information. Even the driver responsible for causing the accident is expected to do this. It is understandable that one might not want to have to “face the music” in such a way, yet not doing so could compound whatever problems he or she might already be facing.
A Hollywood man is having to learn this lesson the hard way after causing a fatal accident in Ft. Lauderdale. The man struck a disabled vehicle as it was being loaded on to a tow truck. In the process, a man who had come to assist the driver of the disabled car became pinned against the guardrail. He later died from injuries sustained during the collision.
The man who caused the accident was also hurt (though his injuries were reported to be minor). Yet they did not stop him from trying to flee the scene on foot. He was later caught by authorities and charged with failing to stop at an accident involving death and resisting arrest.
Those who find themselves needing to seek compensation following hit-and-run accidents such as this may think that they need to wait for the accompanying criminal proceedings to play out before taking any action. That is not the case. Both criminal and civil proceedings can occur simultaneously. Those needing assistance with their civil cases may find it in the form of a skilled personal injury attorney.
Source: Sun Sentinel “Driver accused of running away from scene of fatal crash” Roustan, Wayne K., May 17, 2018