Car accidents that involve pedestrians are unfortunately a common event. Distracted driving, failure to look for oncoming traffic, intoxication and loss of control are just some of the reasons they occur. Regardless of the reason for the car accident, one truth that should not vary is that the driver of the vehicle stops to check on and assist the pedestrian. That doesn’t always happen, as was the case when a vehicle struck a pedestrian recently in Colorado Springs. That hit-and-run driver has now been found and arrested.
On the evening of Dec. 21, a Colorado Springs man was crossing Murray Boulevard on foot. Although the pedestrian had the right-of-way, a car failed to yield and ran into him. Reportedly, the driver fled the scene, leaving a badly-injured victim behind.
The victim, who doesn’t remember the accident, spent more than a week in an intensive care unit. According to his mother, some of the broken bones he suffered include his pelvis, 11 ribs, his clavicle, a hip and his right arm. The man has to move to a long-term care facility, but finding a facility that can provide the care he needs has been difficult as the man has also been diagnosed with Asperger’s and autism. It is not clear if those diagnoses occurred during his hospitalization or before.
A local news channel aired a story on the accident and the search for the hit-and-run driver. Soon after, the victim’s family was notified that a suspect had been arrested. At this time there is no information on the identity of the suspect.
The recovery period for the victim will be long and difficult. With the lengthy hospital stay and the need for a long-term care facility there will be significant medical expenses. Car accident victims shouldn’t have to worry about bills when their focus should be on recovery. By hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help the victim file and pursue a civil claim against the driver, the victim can seek a monetary award that will eliminate the financial burden and allow the focus to be back where it should be — on getting well.