McAllen Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident
by Amber Cortez | December 10th, 2013 | Auto Accident, Blog
The McAllen Police Department has placed a woman under arrest in relation to a hit-and-run accident which occurred on November 16th, 2013. The charges were filed against a 23-year old woman from McAllen, three days after the incident happened. Authorities stated the alleged wrongdoer struck a 79-year old woman. The accident occurred in the area of 10th Street and Datepalm around 6 p.m. on the evening of the 16th.
Hit-and-Run Charges Brought Against the Driver
A Justice of the Peace pronounced the victim dead after she was taken to Rio Grande Regional Hospital for treatment. The driver allegedly failed to stop and render aid after striking the victim with her SUV. It was not until the driver arrived home that she notified the police of the accident. She was charged with a felony and may face a fine of up to $10,000 as well as jail time. In September, Texas enacted a new law raising hit-and-run death charges as second-degree felonies with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
State Laws Protect Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
State laws specify that the parties involved in an accident should immediately stop to render aid for possible victims as well as to contact authorities. It is a common, and unfortunate, occurrence for some drivers to flee accident scenes for fear of prosecution. What these drivers fail to realize is that fleeing an accident scene will serve only to increase the number of criminal charges filed against them.
Victims and Families Can Seek Justice
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can result in serious injuries, which can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. Through personal injury lawsuits, victims and their families can recover compensation for their financial and medical troubles. A lawsuit can provide monetary assistance to cover the payments of medical bills, funeral expenses, income loss and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a hit and run accident, schedule a consultation with McAllen’s personal injury attorneys of the J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys by calling (956) 630-6700.
