More than two months after a fatal hit-and-run accident, the distracted teen driver that hit and killed a man and his dog is finally facing charges. According to authorities, the 18-year-old female has now been charged with death by auto and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, for the April incident.
According to reports, a 17-year-old driver was on her cell phone when she struck and killed a 52-year-old school district superintendent and his dog while out on a walk. Authorities say the 17-year-old left the scene of the crash and called the police from a school phone within a mile from the accident. The driver told authorities that she was running late for a school trip and on the phone when the accident occurred. Despite being aware that she had hit someone, the young woman fled the scene of the accident and called her father.
Authorities did not initially reveal the driver’s cell phone use at the time of the crash but said they had been investigating the driver’s actions prior to charging her. In addition to her two second-degree offenses, the driver will face charges relating to reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and improper use of a cell phone while driving.
Unfortunately, situations like this happen all the time. Negligent and distracted drivers account for a great number of accidents and injuries each year. In this situation, a life has been lost, and the life of a young girl will forever be changed. Individuals that have suffered an injury as the result of driver negligence may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney. With their help, negligent drivers may be held accountable, and compensation may be awarded to those injured.