When we take to the Pennsylvania roads, we should do our level best to drive safely. But car accidents can happen, and when they do, it is extremely important for all involved to stop and make sure no one is hurt and to assess any damages.
If someone is responsible for an accident, that person should not leave the scene until the matter has been properly addressed. Still, hit-and-run accidents do occur and they can present special problems for their victims.
A judge from western Pennsylvania has been issued charges of obstructing justice and leaving the scene of an accident. These charges stem from an incident wherein the judge is alleged to have sideswiped an approaching vehicle.
Information from a state police complaint indicates that as the judge was driving her SUV, she swerved across the centerline and broke the mirror off a car that was proceeding in the opposite direction.
The occupants in the struck vehicle then trailed the judge?s car. They attempted to speak with the judge while stopped. They say the judge appeared intoxicated. The passengers claim the judge took off prior to the arrival of the police.
It was two days later when the police examined the judge?s vehicle. It was more than two weeks after the accident that the passengers who were in the struck vehicle identified the judge in a photo lineup. The police have not charged the judge with drunken driving. However, she has been placed on paid leave from her job.
This incident demonstrates how much more complicated an accident becomes when the responsible party leaves the scene. If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident, a thorough investigation could help demonstrate liability. Hopefully, the responsible party will be discovered and held accountable. If not, you may still find the results of an investigation of help when attempting to file claims for injuries or damages.
A Pennsylvania car accident attorney may be able to conduct an investigation to help give strength to your claims for compensation.