The start of a new year is often a time for change and promise. Many people in Wisconsin use it as a time to reflect on the goals they hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. Unfortunately, one woman found herself in the hospital after she was the victim of an alleged hit-and-run car accident. The driver of the car that allegedly struck her has since been arrested and charged.
Police say that the 46-year-old victim was attempting to cross the street in a crosswalk during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, the driver of a vehicle allegedly failed to slow down for the crosswalk, striking her. Reports indicate that the victim rolled over the vehicle after being struck. The driver allegedly did not remain at the scene.
Police say that they located the car parked in an alley two blocks away. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, reportedly admitting to striking the pedestrian, claims that two other people in the vehicle urged her to keep driving. Those people, she claims, left the car before police arrived. The woman now faces multiple charges, including drunk driving and hit and run.
A Wisconsin criminal court will determine what punishment is appropriate if the accused driver is convicted of the charges she faces. In the meantime, the victim may be facing significant physical and financial ramifications as a result of the injuries she suffered in the car accident. Many such victims have sought recompense in a civil court. If negligence can be proved — a claim that would be supported by a conviction of criminal charges — the victim could be awarded damages that would allow her to cope with the medical bills, lost wages and other financial ramifications stemming from the accident.
Source: wxow.com, “UPDATE: Hit and run suspect released on $1,000 bond”, Caroline Hecker, Jan. 4, 2016
