Are Hit and Runs Trending in South Bend?

A young driver struck and killed a 61-year-old South Bend man in early
October while traveling in the westbound lane of Brick Road, just after
7 a.m. Several witnesses informed crash investigators that the vehicle
responsible for hitting the man was driven by a younger man and was carrying
a female passenger. The car was seen speeding moments before the crash
and again away from the scene. Both the 22-year-old driver and 19-year-old
passenger were caught and soon after charged with leaving the scene of
an accident resulting in death, a felony. The passenger was charged with
one count of assisting a criminal since she initially told the County
Metro Homicide Unit that she was the one driving at the time of the crash
to protect the driver who was operating without a license. Regardless
of whether or not a cyclist is wearing a helmet and undertakes safety
precautions, riders are never on an even playing field with motor vehicles.
Cyclists are physically vulnerable to accidents because of their exposure and the
lack of protective framing provided to drivers and passengers in cars
and trucks.

This is the second time our car accident team has reviewed a tragic hit
and run accident report from South Bend in the last 30 days. In September,
a 54-year-old man was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle while walking
near Bowman in South Bend. The County Fatal Crash Team responded to the
evening incident and determined the pedestrian was walking between the
curb and the bike lane line when he was struck from behind.

Leaving the scene of a hit and run accident, especially when there is an
injury or death involved, is an illegal, terrible, and cowardly act. Our
thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all hit and run victims.

Families of Hit and Run Victims Have Rights

If a driver causes an accident with a pedestrian, bicyclist, another car,
or a fixed object and then leaves the scene without stopping to render
aid, this is called a hit and run. Intersections and walkways pose the
most common injury risk to pedestrians and bicyclists involved in a hit
and run. The cause of this type of crash is often due to reckless drivers
failing to make a full stop, driving while distracted, or driving while
impaired by drugs or alcohol.

When the person hit is fatally injured as a result of the collision and
the driver is identified and proven to be negligent, the family of a victim
may be entitled to significant damages that can provide financial stability
during a time of great physical and emotional challenge. A wrongful death
lawsuit can allow surviving family members to obtain compensation for:

  • Lost financial support
  • Lost household services
  • Loss of parental guidance
  • Loss of love, care & affection
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral & burial expenses
  • Lawyer fees related to bringing a lawsuit

The most common types of
personal injury wrongful deaths are those that result from car accidents as a result of the fault or negligence
of another party. If the driver of a vehicle responsible for the hit and
run is identified, they are likely to be found responsible for the crash.

Wagner Reese Attorneys Hold Hit and Run Drivers Accountable

At Wagner Reese, we work with the families of victims involved in deadly
hit and run accidents. Our experienced attorneys have helped recover millions
of dollars for families of those who have lost their lives as the result
of the wrongdoing of a driver who then cowardly, fled the scene. Whether
you yourself were seriously injured in a hit and run wreck or a loved
one was involved in a fatal accident, we can help.

Give us a call today at (888) 204-8440 to schedule a free consultation
or speak with us by
submitting our online form and our attorneys will review your information.