Weirton, WV (PRWEB) November 03, 2013 -- Recent car accidents in the tri-state area should serve as a reminder to drivers that fleeing the scene of an accident can have serious legal consequences, according to Steven Recht of Recht Law Offices, a hit and run accident lawyer in West Virginia.
ABC 8 (“Good Samaritan Tries To Save Woman Hit By SUV In Charleston”) reported on October 17 that a woman in Charleston, WV was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in mid-October while trying to cross the street.
“Several car accidents in West Virginia this fall have underscored the need to remind all drivers that it’s their moral and legal responsibility to remain at the scene of an accident,” said Recht, who represents victims of negligence and families who lost loved ones in accidents. “Drivers who flee an accident involving a pedestrian or another vehicle not only put their victim in harm’s way by failing to alert emergency responders of the accident, but these drivers are committing an illegal act that’s punishable by law.”
An eyewitness to the accident said she saw a woman lying in the middle of the street while waiting for a bus, according to the ABC 8 news report. The woman had reportedly been hit by an SUV that fled the scene of the accident, according to the article.
The Shepherdstown Chronicle (“WVU student from Harpers Ferry killed in hit-and-run,” September 20) reported on a similar accident in September in Morgantown that left a West Virginia student from Harpers Ferry dead.
According to the Shepherdstown Chronicle, investigators believe that a vehicle struck the student while the student was attempting to cross a four-lane road at night. No suspects have been identified in the accident, according to the report.
“Oftentimes, hit-and-run drivers don’t stop at the scene of an accident because they’re afraid of the consequences of their actions. They might have been speeding, driving without a license, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whatever their reason, it’s a cowardly act to leave the scene of an accident. These drivers need to stop and help the victim, who might need immediate medical attention,” said Recht, a hit and run accident attorney in West Virginia.
Recht said personal injury lawyers can help victims and families whose loved ones were killed pursue compensation. An attorney also can help send a message that careless behavior will not be tolerated on West Virginia roads.
About Recht Law Offices
Recht Law Offices handles all types of serious personal injury and wrongful death cases in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, from car and truck accidents to nursing home abuse, slip and fall injuries and workers compensation claims. The attorneys at Recht Law Offices work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients only pay fees if the attorney obtains a recovery. For more information about what to do after a hit-and-run accident in West Virginia and the options available to families, call 1-800-HURTLINE (1-800-487-8546) or use the firm’s online contact form. Recht Law Offices is located at 3405 Main Street, Weirton, WV 26062-4505. Visit http://www.rechtlaw.com.
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, +1 (413) 650-0593, [email protected]
Share this article