Florida Highway Patrol recently investigated a hit-and-run accident that resulted in serious injuries to a 28-year-old Bradenton woman and a six-year-old boy, and minor injuries to a 57-year-old Bradenton man who was driving them in his pickup truck.
The driver who fled the scene was identified as an 87-year-old man from Port Charlotte. Representatives from FHP said they found the man and his vehicle later on the same day of the accident.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:48 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Westmoreland Drive in Manatee County. The driver was on the northbound side of U.S. 41 in the left turn lane, and failed to yield the right of way while making the turn to the oncoming Ford pickup that was carrying the victims. The elderly man’s SUV struck the pickup on its left side, resulting in the truck overturning and rotating before it stopped in an upright position.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime
Fleeing the scene of an accident is, at the very least, a misdemeanor offense, and can rise to the level of a felony depending on the severity of the accident and any resulting injuries. It is the responsibility of all drivers, regardless of perceived liability, to remain behind at the scene of the accident, exchange information and wait for assistance to arrive.
In addition, all drivers are expected to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left across traffic. Drivers must carefully scan the road to determine it is safe before proceeding with the turn. Failure to do this will result in liability for any resulting accidents and injuries.
For more information about how to proceed if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run collision, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Bradenton at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.