When a driver commits a hit-and-run, he or she leaves potentially severely injured victims at a scene to fend for themselves. He or she takes the risk of fleeing without considering the damage it could cause. Delaying treatment to someone injured in a crash could be the difference between life and death.
When you’re in an accident, it’s against the law to flee the scene. All drivers are meant to stay at the scene to provide aid if they are able to do so. This driver in Vienna did not, and now he faces charges.
According to the May 15 story, the man was involved in the hit-and-run crash around James Madison High School. It was around 7:33 a.m., when the crash happened on May 7. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was exiting McDonald’s when he hit another vehicle.
The victim in the other vehicle suffered non-life threatening injuries and did require medical care. Despite this, the other driver fled on foot from the scene and was uncooperative when the police stopped him. They reported that he showed signs of being intoxicated.
After the 32-year-old man was treated for his injuries, he was charged with a third offense for driving while intoxicated and for refusing the breath test. He is also charged with felony hit-and-run and for driving with a license that has been revoked.
In this case, the driver made a mistake by leaving the scene. It’s not clear if he was intoxicated or not, because he refused to take a breath test. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to stay at the scene. Even if you refuse a breath test, staying at the scene of an accident can help prevent further penalties. If you do flee, your attorney can help you defend your decision.
Source: Vienna Patch, “Intoxicated Vienna Man Charged With Hit-and-Run,” Emily Leayman, May 15, 2017
