When a pedestrian is hit by a driver, it’s a tragic situation that nearly always results in the pedestrian suffering severe injuries or death. As the family member of someone who has passed away, you would want to see that your loved one received justice, especially if it’s proven that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
That’s why this case is shocking. A May 9 report discusses a case in which a man has been sentenced to only 30 days in jail for the death of a pedestrian on Highway 26. The 59-year-old man pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run DUII and has received a sentence allowing him to serve his jail sentence only on the weekends while also accepting three years of probation.
According to the story, the man hit a 31-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man who were walking on the highway. The man hit them and fled the scene, reporting that he was in an accident earlier in the evening when he called 911 later on. The police went to his home, and there they discovered evidence to connect him to the crash. He was arrested for a felony hit-and-run along with a DUII.
If you lose a loved one this way, this penalty may not seem like enough, but your wrongful death claim doesn’t rely on the criminal case. Your attorney can help you file a claim to see compensation against the negligent driver, so you can receive the money you need to support your family and to take care of the losses you’ve suffered.
Source: KATU 2 On Your Side, “Man sentenced to 30 days in jail for DUII crash on Highway 26 that killed pedestrian,” May 09, 2017