A teenager was killed in a recent Florida hit-and-run pedestrian accident. The crash took place on a Saturday night on Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel. Authorities reported they were looking for the driver who reportedly crashed into the teen.
Events leading up to the pedestrian accident
The pedestrian accident occurred at a little past 10 p.m. According to police, a boy, 17, was walking on a crosswalk at an intersection. A sport utility vehicle suddenly struck the boy.
Authorities said SUV driver did not stop to help the teenager. The teen passed away at the crash scene, and the driver reportedly sped off before first responders arrived at the scene. Police reported they encouraged anyone with information regarding the crash to contact Florida Highway Patrol officials.
How an attorney can help
Florida police may ultimately locate the driver of the sport utility vehicle allegedly involved in the accident. In this situation, the surviving loved ones of the teenage boy who died in the hit-and-run accident may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the driver, seeking the reimbursement of financial damages sustained due to the accident. If the driver is charged and convicted in connection with the hit-and-run accident, the teen’s family may present proof of the criminal conviction in a related civil court proceeding to establish liability. Only if liability is established will a judge determine the claim for damages, which may lead to a monetary damage award to cover the teen’s burial costs and other documented losses.