“Hit and run” is a colloquial phrase that describes a situation in which someone involved in a motor vehicle accident leaves the scene before authorities arrive. The driver and passenger of a vehicle that allegedly struck two motorcyclists appear to have literally hit and run, leaving the vehicle abandoned at the Lincoln, Nebraska, intersection where the collision took place. Authorities later arrested a 29-year-old man believed to have been the driver at his home. He now faces felony charges of driving under the influence and suspicion of leaving the scene of an injury accident.
The accident occurred last Saturday evening. Two motorcyclists, a 40-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, were traveling at about 15 to 20 miles per hour when a vehicle struck them while making a left turn. Witnesses describe the driver and a passenger exiting the vehicle and leaving the scene on foot while the motorcyclists lay in the intersection.
Both motorcyclists were unresponsive when authorities arrived at the scene. Each required transportation to the hospital. The woman suffered life-threatening injuries, but her current condition is unknown. At last report, the man was in stable condition at the hospital.
It is not entirely clear how authorities tracked down the 29-year-old purported driver of the vehicle to his home to arrest him. However, if he had the vehicle registered in his name, it would almost certainly have been an easy matter for law enforcement to search the license plate information and discover his address.
The law takes a dim view of leaving the scene of an accident, especially one in which injury occurs, whether one departs in the car or on foot. Individuals facing multiple charges in connection with an automobile accident may find it helpful to contact an attorney.
