Florida police search for hit-and-run driver

Miami residents may be interested in a New Smyrna Beach hit-and-run accident. Police are searching for a driver who hit a female cyclist on Sept. 9. She was riding her bicycle down State Route 44 in the area where it merges with Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach when a truck struck her.

According to police reports, the male driver stopped his vehicle and allegedly apologized. He asked if she was OK, then told the woman that he would call for help. However, he allegedly took off. The Volusia County woman said she had to eventually call for help after crawling out of the driver’s way to avoid being hit again as he left. She said she was happy to be alive. As a result of the accident, she suffered broken bones in her neck, a fractured pelvis and a shattered left knee. It is unknown if the woman will have a permanent disability. Doctors have said that she may have to wear a halo for about five months.

Police say the impact of the accident sent her flying about 30 feet away from where she was actually struck. The woman was able to give a description of the driver who hit her. He was a 40-50-year-old man wearing a fisherman’s hat. The truck he was driving was a light blue, midsized pickup truck. It didn’t have any custom work on it.

A personal injury attorney may be able to help the victims of a hit-and-run car accident. An attorney may gather evidence such as eye-witness accounts and crime scene photographs to help victims receive compensation. Also, the attorney may negotiate a personal injury settlement for the defendant.

Source: WTEV, “Authorities searching for driver who fled hit-and-run, fractured woman’s pelvis”, September 10, 2013