Category: Hit-and-Run Accident

Chester County Teen in Coma After Hit-and-Run

Hit and Run accidents

A hit-and-run accident in Miami has left a Chester County teen in a medically-induced coma just days before she was to return home for summer vacation. Eliza Gresh, 19, of Paoli, was in the final days of her spring semester at the University of Miami when a driver struck her at more than 50 mph without stopping to render aid. Police identified the driver as 24-year-old Luis Felipe Moya with the help of a local mechanic. Moya attempted to have the accident damage to his Mercedes Benz repaired, but the shop quickly contacted the authorities after a mechanic saw Eliza’s story on a local Miami news channel.

Moya remains at large, however police have arrested his mother with charges she attempted to cover up the hit-and-run. Suffering from a number of injuries, doctors opted to sedate Eliza rather than have her conscious during this critical time in her recovery. She’s a 2011 graduate of the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr.

My thoughts and prayers are with Eliza and her family as she passes through this integral stage in her medical care. I hope for a speedy recovery as well as swift justice for those who would allegedly attempt to get away with harming her so terribly.

In 2010, there were 32,885 accident fatalities on United States roadways; 1,324 of those deaths occurred in Pennsylvania. Pedestrian deaths in 2010 in Pennsylvania, 145, were the highest in three years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If the data continues to show a rising trend in pedestrian fatalities, it could be indicative of increased driver distraction. In Pennsylvania, efforts to combat driver distraction include the state’s new ban on texting behind the wheel. The new law, effective in March, makes using a handheld device a primary traffic offense. This grading means police officers can pull drivers over for texting even when no other traffic violations are present.

Suffering severe injuries in a car accident can change your life. You may have reduced usage of your limbs, be unable to walk or face months of grueling physical therapy. The insurance company you thought would take care of your bills may delay your claim, deny you rightful coverage or try to get you to accept a reduced settlement that doesn’t meet your financial needs. Contacting a team of knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident lawyers is important to protect your rights and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Police Identify Woman Killed in Library Hit-and-Run

Newark hit and run accidents

Police have identified an elderly woman killed in a hit-and-run accident in front of the Newark Free Library. Helen Yang, 76-years-old, died of injuries she sustained while crossing the street at 750 Library Avenue, according to MSNBC. Investigators reconstructing the accident believe a Honda Accord struck Yang and failed to stop to render aid. Other drivers in the immediate area did stop to help the elderly woman. One of those motorists, Jonathan Feliciano, called 911 while another pair of good Samaritans performed CPR.

Investigators are searching for a black Honda Accord between model years 1998 and 2002. The vehicle could have front-end damage on its right side, including the rearview mirror. Police are asking anyone with information relating to the crash to please contact Newark Police Cpl. Thomas Smith by phone or email as quickly as possible.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time. The loss of a loved one can be unbearable at any age, and I hope the investigation brings them a measure of closure. Holding the person responsible for Yang’s death is important for all concerned: her family, the people who stopped to help her on the street and the investigators reviewing her case.

In 2011, 29 of Essex County’s 52 traffic fatalities occurred in Newark – that’s 55 percent. The city is a mix of congested local roads and well-traveled highways presenting accident risks at nearly every turn. As of May 2012, six out of Essex County’s 10 accident fatalities occurred in Newark, according to the New Jersey State Police. That’s 5 percent higher than the previous year, though fewer total traffic deaths in the city could lower this percentage by the end of the year.

Losing a loved one or sustaining injuries in a car accident presents sudden, seemingly insurmountable difficulties. If your injuries leave you unable to work, you could fall behind on your bill payments and risk losing your home and ruining your credit rating. Having a team of experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers on your side is important to stand up to those responsible and win just compensation for your injuries.

Photo Credit: Written Word

Philly Police Officer Kills Hit-and-Run Driver

Philadelphia Police Officer

A suspect is dead after fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run accident and threatening to kill a female Philadelphia police officer. Police have identified the man as 26-year-old Thomas Hennelly of Havertown.  The incident began Thursday morning in Brewerytown when an unidentified man struck a Temple University student and drove his truck away from the scene. A plain clothes officer actually witnessed the pedestrian accident and fired on Hennelly’s truck in an attempt to blow out his tires. He then drove about six more blocks through the city before abandoning the vehicle. While on foot, a female police officer attempted to stop him.

Hennelly informed the officer to “back off” or he would shoot her. She fired twice, striking him once in the chest. Emergency responders pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. Police reportedly found drugs on him, according to NBC Philadelphia, but have released no other information relating to the original cause of the accident. The condition of the Temple student is also not available at this hour.

My heart goes out to the student and their family during this confusing time. My hope is that the student’s injuries are minor and the recovery is a quick one. There are many concerned people who’ll want quick answers from authorities.

In 2010, there were 4,454 car accidents involving pedestrians in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These accidents resulted in 148 pedestrian deaths. Crashes involving pedestrians represented 3.7 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania for 2010.

As a pedestrian, car accident can leave substantial injuries in its wake, prevent you from returning to work and make it impossible to perform even the simplest tasks. You don’t have any of the protective materials around you that a driver or passenger has – your body is literally your vehicle. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in this type of accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced Philadelphia injury lawyer to review your options and rights to pursue full compensation for your damages.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Eight West Point Cadets Injured in Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Crash

Eight West Point cadets were injured in a Pennsylvania car accident after the van in which they were traveling was cut off by another vehicle whose driver illegal used a crossover. According to a news report in WNEP-TV news station, the injury crash occurred on Interstate 80, near Sugarloaf in Luzerne County. Officials say a driver illegally used a crossover linking the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate, causing the van driver carrying members of the boxing team, to go out of control.

The van rolled over and landed on the opposing traffic lanes. A tractor-trailer narrowly missed hitting the van. Eight out of nine cadets were injured. The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash left the scene. State police are asking the hit-and-run driver to come forward and are asking anyone with information to call them. The investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this hit-and-run car accident. It is indeed fortunate that this hit-and-run car accident did not result in fatalities. I wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Fatal Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

Fatal Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident

Michael Orsini, 26, was killed in a Pennsylvania car accident, which officials say, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred late on February 5, 2012 in East Brandywine Township, Chester County. Orsini was airlifted to an area hospital where he was pronounced brain dead a few hours after the crash. He was then removed from life support. Investigators say the case is now being investigated as a hit-and-run homicide. Officials are calling on the hit-and-run driver to come forward immediately.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Michael Orsini for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Woman Seriously Injured in Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Woman Seriously Injured in Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Car Accident

Tammy Roberts, 47, was seriously injured in a Philadelphia car accident, which officials say, involved a hit-and-run driver. According to a report in the Valley News Dispatch, the injury collision occurred the night of February 3, 2012 outside the Creighton Hotel in East Deer. Police say 39-year-old Freddie Knight struck Roberts who was walking down the hotel’s steps with her boyfriend. Knight’s speeding, out-of-control car struck Roberts although her boyfriend tried to push her out of the way. She was seriously injured. Knight fled the scene of the crash, but was arrested by police who found him hiding behind a bush. He is facing a number of charges including aggravated assault with a vehicle, reckless driving, drunk driving, resisting arrest and fleeing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy Roberts, who has been severely injured in this hit-and-run car accident. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.