Last month we wrote a post about a Miami college student who was seriously injured when she was struck by a car that then left the scene of the incident. At that time, the owner of the car, a silver Mercedes, had been identified but the driver had gone into hiding.
The discovery of the car used in the hit-and-run accident was due to the assistance of a man who had been hired to repair the vehicle damage incurred when the accident occurred. Upon that discovery, the woman who owned the car was arrested for insurance fraud. The man behind the wheel at the time of the collision, the woman’s son, apparently again fled.
There is now an update in the case. The 24-year-old driver of the vehicle was apprehended for his role in the accident last week. Agencies contributing to the arrest were the City of Miami Police, South Miami Police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. He was found in New York City.
As expected, authorities are planning on bringing the man back to Miami to face criminal charges. It is highly likely that the young woman who was hurt so badly will also file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the man. She has probably incurred high medical bills and could use money from a successful lawsuit to help pay those off.
This case illustrates just how seriously police departments in the Miami area take hit-and-run motor vehicle accidents. It is expected that individuals involved in these accidents will take responsibility for their role. Whether it is by choice, or force, is ultimately up to them.
Source: CBS 4, “Suspect In UM Student Hit & Run Arrested In NYC,” June 5, 2012