Two people in Treasure Island, Florida are dead after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in a suspected hit-and-run pedestrian accident.
According to deputies, the crash occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. The pedestrians were a 74-year-old man and 81-year-old woman, who were walking together at the time of the accident. Investigators say the pair attempted to cross Gulf Boulevard near its intersection with 118th Avenue, but were then struck by a Ford Explorer driven by a 38-year-old man.
Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies say the man immediately left the scene after the accident. However, officers did catch up with him at 8 p.m. that evening, still behind the wheel of his Explorer. He showed signs of impairment and did not cooperate with officers. He was then arrested and taken to Pinellas County Jail, and faces several charges, including two counts of DUI manslaughter.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime
Whenever you get into an accident, you are expected to remain at the scene and provide any necessary assistance to other people involved in the crash — even if you were not at fault. Leaving the scene of the accident is at least a misdemeanor offense, but leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is a felony that could lead to lengthy jail time, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Personal injury claims involving hit-and-run drivers can be complicated if police cannot locate the driver. However, you still have the potential to get compensation for your losses. For more information on how to proceed, work with a knowledgeable Bradenton car accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.