The driver’s license of an Ohio teenager was suspended for life recently by the judge in her case. The girl reportedly ran into a woman who was crossing the street and then left the scene. The judge in the trial that followed the fatal accident said the girl was “reckless” but not necessarily malicious in her actions.
The girl, who was 16 at the time of the accident, was fined $3,000. She is required to complete several hundred hours of community service and must offer a written apology to the family of the woman she killed. She will remain on house arrest until just before she begins attending college. The girl, who is now 18, also received two years probation.
The woman who died was crossing the street, using a walker for assistance, when a car collided into her and then drove away. The 81-year-old pedestrian was catapulted into the air before striking the ground. She did not survive her injuries.
The girl found responsible says she was unaware that she had run into a person. She said in a police interview she could have struck a pothole. She apologized to the woman’s family and said she would have stayed on the scene to offer assistance if she’d known it was needed.
The family of the woman who died in this fatal accident say they don’t think the girl acted maliciously. They do not, however, think she should be driving. They retain the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in an Ohio civil court. A successfully litigated claim will not replace their loved one’s life, but it could provide compensation to cover any end-of-life expenses they may be facing and give them the means to allow them to move forward.
Source: The Plain Dealer, “Judge suspends teen’s license for life for fatally striking 81-year-old retired teacher“, John Caniglia, May 13, 2014
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and laws are subject to change. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
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