Two years ago, in April of 2012, 55-year-old pedestrian Robin Dana Gould was hit by a vehicle driven by a driver who fled the scene of the accident. Gould passed away at the scene. After a long investigation and helpful evidence, the hit and run driver was finally identified and turned himself into the police.
Fleeing the Scene is a Crime in Georgia
If a driver is involved in an accident, he or she is legally required to stop to render aid. Georgia Code § 40-6-270 specifies that when a driver flees the scene of an accident in which someone suffered a fatal injury, it’s considered a felony crime and merits a penalty of one to five years in prison.
The driver who struck Gould has been identified as 41-year-old Timothy Michael Head. Police Chief Chris Wright told The Blackshear Times how the arrest finally came about: “A witness came forward who was able to provide us with critical evidence that essentially broke the case.” Police report that Head turned himself in to the police.
Early 2012 reports state that Gould, the pedestrian, may have been at fault for the accident. Police confirmed that “pedestrian in the roadway” was a contributing factor in the accident. Head may not have faced any charges had he stayed at the scene.
Irrespective of fault, Head was still obligated to stop and report the incident. Head is being charged with a hit and run felony. He was released hours after his arrest on a $10,000 bond.
Holding Hit and Run Drivers Accountable
Hit and run drivers can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime if/when they are caught; they may also be responsible for damages in a civil case. If a driver is found responsible for an accident in which a pedestrian was injured or killed, the victim or the victim’s family may be able to file a claim against the driver to recover damages, such as the following.
- Medical bills
- Lost benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses.
If you or your loved one was seriously injured in a pedestrian hit and run accident, speak to an attorney about your legal options. For legal help in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, contact the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz at 404-474-0804.