The Gainesville Automobile Collision Attorneys of the Law Office of Alba & Straile, PLLC take note of an incident in Levy County that sent several innocent victims to the hospital with injuries, and caused damage to three vehicles. Most unsettling is that this accident was set into motion by the negligent, reckless, and unlawful actions of a hit-and-run driver.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 6, 2014. Authorities say that, the driver of a 1993 Ford F-150 was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, northbound along NW 80th Court. Meanwhile, four vehicles, including a Ford Ranger, Toyota matrix, and a Dodge Dart, were legally parked at 11851 NW 80th Court in Chiefland. In addition to the multiple persons occupying these vehicles, a pedestrian was also standing alongside one of the parked vehicles.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the F-150 struck the parked Ford Ranger, after it went off the road, causing the Ranger to be pushed into three other parked vehicles. As a result of the collision, the body of 29-year-old pedestrian Joshua Mauk, of Chiefland, was thrown several feet. Mauk sustained serious injuries, and had to be airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital. Also injured in the incident were two occupants in the parked vehicles—Jeffrey Spur, 27 and Brandon Riggs, 22—both of Chiefland. Spur and Riggs were transported to Shands as well, for treatment associated with their minor injuries.
Appallingly, the driver of the F-150, who authorities say was responsible for causing this incident, fled on foot from the scene of the accident. Witnesses say that he was headed in a southbound direction. Although officials were able to identify the hit-and-run driver, his whereabouts were unknown as of the evening following the crash. FHP says that charges are pending.
As Pedestrian Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys, we find this type of incident to be particularly disturbing. While it is one thing for an individual to cause or contribute to an accident, through their negligent actions, it is entirely different when that motorist cowardly and selfishly leaves the accident scene, without any concern for the innocent victims they have left behind.
At Alba & Straile, PLLC, we understand, that following immediate medical attention, accidents like this one, involving pedestrian and vehicle passenger injury, in conjunction with a hit-and-run driver, can leave the victims with a variety of concerns, such as determining the appropriate source from which to seek compensation. It is important for the victims to know that there generally is a means of recovering financial losses associated with injuries and damages, and often times there might be several sources to seek recovery from.
As the victims recover from this awful incident, we hope that time is also taken to reflect upon the measures that should be taken to ensure full protection of all legal rights and remedies. Contact the Law Office of Alba & Straile, PLLC, and allow us to review your matter and explain and your options.