Skip to Content
Brown Paindiris & Scott, LLP mobile logo

Recent Fatal Hit-and-run Accident Allegedly Involved a Driver Who Admitted to Drinking Alcohol and Smoking Marijuana

November 1, 2012 General

While a car accident is always a tumultuous event, it is even more serious when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, due to the increased chance of major injuries. Victims of car accidents caused by a hit-and-run driver may be entitled to more compensation, because of the driver’s indifference.

A recent fatal hit-and-run accident allegedly involved a driver who admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana prior to the incident. According to police, the 29-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Cavalier struck two pedestrians at approximately 11:30 p.m. as they were proceeding through the intersection of Aurora Street and the Route 73 Connector in Waterbury, Connecticut.

One of the victims, a 21-year-old man, received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries to his leg and hip at St. Mary’s Hospital and was listed in stable condition. Unfortunately, the other pedestrian, aged 17, died at Waterbury Hospital after suffering serious head injuries, as well as internal injuries, according to police.

A spokesman for the police reported that the driver of the Chevy fled the scene, although his passengers told him to stop. He eventually pulled over approximately a mile from the accident, made the others get out of the car and continued driving. With the help of witnesses, officers were able to find the driver and the car.

According to police, the driver confessed and told them he was waiting to see how bad the accident was before deciding whether to turn himself in. He also admitted that he had smoked marijuana and drank alcohol, though his BAC wasn’t reported.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cause serious injury, and victims of such accidents should fully understand their rights under the law when deciding whether to pursue claims for compensation and damages.

Source: courant.com, “Police: Driver in fatal hit-and-run wanted to wait before surrendering,” Hilda Muñoz and Samaia Hernandez