No doubt, most drivers understand what they would need to do in case of a motor vehicle accident, both from a lawful and an ethical standpoint. Most people would not even think twice about whether they should remain at the scene to help police officers and possibly injured parties. Unfortunately, some people immediately flee the scene of an accident, probably in an attempt to avoid responsibility. However, this action only worsens the situation for everyone involved. For example, a Pennsylvania man now faces several charges for his involvement in a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian last March.
Motorcyclist strikes pedestrian and flees
The incident happened on a street in Lancaster early one afternoon. According to police, the man was riding a motorcycle when he hit a woman crossing the street at a crosswalk. Sadly, the crash left the woman with serious injuries. Following the crash, the motorcyclist fled the scene.
Suspect found and charged
Reportedly, police used surveillance camera footage to locate the 19-year-old motorcyclist. He has since been charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, reckless driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians and driving a motorcycle without protective equipment. Lancaster police have noted the efforts of the community as well as investigators in the identification of the individual thought responsible.
Although the available information does not describe the extent of the victim’s injuries, nor her current status, she undoubtedly suffered both physically and emotionally at the time of the incident, and she could very well have ongoing, perhaps even permanent, effects from her injuries. Often, victims of these types of motor vehicle accidents also experience financial difficulties, due to medical bills, lost income and such. In addition to criminal charges already in place, seriously injured victims have the right to pursue the matter through the civil justice system. In Pennsylvania, as in all other states, attorneys with extensive experience in personal injury cases are available to discuss options.