At around noon this Thursday, a woman near Scott County was killed in a hit-and-run collision while she was picking up her garbage containers. Although the driver initially fled the scene of the crime, Kentucky police were able to track down a suspect and are now holding him for questioning.
According to the Lexington Herald Leader, this accident took place on Leestown Road close to the University Golf Club of Kentucky on April 12, 2018 a little before 12:20PM. The victim, a 46-year-old woman, was walking near the road to pick up her three garbage containers.
At about this time, the driver of a white SUV traveling outbound allegedly swerved off the main road, and crashed into the victim. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the SUV didn’t stop after he hit the woman and just kept driving in the direction of Scott County.
Thankfully, the local police were able to apprehend the suspected driver and bring him into custody. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is now holding the 47-year-old SUV driver as a part of their investigation. As of today, police don’t know the main cause of this accident.
Fast Facts On Hit-And-Runs In USA
Unfortunately, fatal hit-and-run accidents are only increasing in the USA. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deaths from hit-and-run collisions rose from 1,274 in 2009 to 1,449 in 2011. Note, this is at the same time that fatal traffic collisions overall in America have fallen.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that about 11 percent of traffic accidents that are phoned into the police have at least one driver who flees the scene of an accident. Using the AAA Foundation’s data, the average number of deaths caused by hit-and-run accidents in the USA hovers around 1,500.
Kentucky is one of the top offenders when it comes to hit-and-run accidents in the USA. Safety experts believe Kentucky’s high hit-and-run rating may be due to the fact that almost 16 percent of drivers in the Bluegrass State are uninsured. Due to this increased risk, it’s important for all Kentucky residents to know their legal rights in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC After Any Lexington Crash
If you or a family member was involved in a hit-and-run accident as a pedestrian or in a vehicle anywhere in the Lexington Kentucky, we recommend that you get in touch with a Lexington Car Accident Lawyer ASAP. Even if the police aren’t able to capture the driver responsible for your accident, you still have the right to seek compensation. The lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC are experienced with hit-and-run cases and will help you clearly understand your legal options.
Don’t let insurance companies make you settle for less than you deserve after a horrific hit-and-run accident. Remember, insurance agencies are only concerned with their bottom lines during your time of distress. Only an attorney experienced in Kentucky’s car accident law can help you understand what you’re truly owed in damages.
Although we hope you never have to deal with a hit-and-run in your life, our staff is ready to help you in the event of an unexpected tragedy. While we can never fully ease the trauma of a lost loved one or a severe injury, we can help you get the compensation you’re deserved to slowly recover.
