Our client was out for her regular jog when a reckless driver’s actions changed her life. She was lawfully crossing Guest Street at its intersection with Arthur Street in Brighton, using the marked crosswalk designed to protect pedestrians like herself.
Without warning, a black vehicle struck our client with such tremendous force that she was thrown over the hood of the car and rolled off onto the pavement. The impact was so severe that it shattered the vehicle’s windshield and left our client lying injured in the street.
Rather than stopping to render aid or call for help, the driver fled the scene, driving toward the back of the nearby Stop & Shop parking lot. This hit-and-run behavior demonstrates a shocking disregard for human life and a complete abandonment of moral and legal responsibility.
Heroic Witness Response and Emergency Care
Fortunately, an off-duty Emergency Medical Technician witnessed the devastating collision and immediately sprang into action. The EMT rushed to provide emergency medical aid, and found our client bleeding from a severe head wound requiring immediate attention. His quick actions may have prevented more serious complications.
Our client suffered from serious injuries and was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for comprehensive trauma evaluation. Injuries sustained included a significant head trauma and road rash injuries, and had to receive emergency stabilization, including a cervical collar placement due to the mechanism of injury.
Surveillance Evidence and Police Investigation
The Brighton Police Department conducted a thorough investigation that revealed the shocking details of the hit-and-run:
- Surveillance footage from multiple businesses captured the entire incident
- Stop & Shop, New Balance, and WGBH provided critical video evidence
- Footage clearly showed the black vehicle striking our client in the crosswalk
- Video revealed the driver parking in the Stop & Shop lot and remaining there during emergency response
The surveillance footage showed some the driver’s callous behavior:
- Surveillance showed the driver sitting in her parked vehicle while emergency crews treated our injured client
- She remained hidden in her car for several minutes, watching the emergency response
- Eventually got out and walked toward the scene while on her cell phone
- Observed our client being loaded into an ambulance but failed to identify herself
- Stayed in the parking lot until all emergency vehicles left, then fled the scene again
Extensive Investigation and Social Media Appeal
When the hit-and-run driver initially evaded capture, Brighton Police launched an extensive investigation, including:
- Professional flyer created with images of the suspect vehicle and driver
- Distributed to law enforcement agencies throughout the Boston area
- Boston Police Department shared the appeal on social media platforms
- Community-wide effort to identify the cowardly hit-and-run driver
The social media appeal ultimately led to the driver’s identification. Several days after the public appeal, a lawyer contacted the police representing the driver. The driver finally turned herself in through her attorney, and admitted to striking the client, but she claimed she thought she hit a “construction cone”.
Life-Altering Impact on Young Runner
The hit-and-run attack had devastating consequences for our active, healthy 22-year-old client, including:
- Permanent spinal changes affecting daily activities
- Chronic back pain requiring ongoing medical management
- Right elbow dysfunction preventing full arm extension
- Inability to return to previous running and exercise routine
- Ongoing headaches and neck pain affecting concentration
- Permanent scarring on the back of the head from severe laceration
- Visible reminder of the traumatic event affecting self-confidence
- Ongoing sensitivity and tenderness at the injury site
Additionally, the victim suffered from long-term emotional trauma:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder from the violent collision
- Sleep disturbances and anxiety related to the hit-and-run experience
- Fear and hypervigilance when crossing streets or exercising outdoors
- Emotional distress from the driver’s callous abandonment at the scene
Clear Liability and Criminal Behavior
This case represents one of the most egregious examples of hit-and-run liability. The driver eventually admitted negligence in the following:
- Striking a pedestrian lawfully using a marked crosswalk
- Failure to maintain proper lookout for pedestrians in crosswalk
- Operating vehicle without due care in pedestrian-heavy area
- Violating fundamental duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
DiBella’s Successful $75,000 Settlement Achievement
Our legal team successfully negotiated a $75,000 settlement that provided comprehensive compensation for our client’s hit-and-run injuries and the trauma of being abandoned at the scene. This result reflects the serious nature of the injuries, the clear liability, and the aggravating circumstances of the hit-and-run behavior.
The settlement addressed:
- All medical expenses for emergency care and ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering from head trauma and spinal injuries
- Emotional distress from the hit-and-run abandonment
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement from head laceration
- Lost quality of life and disruption to active lifestyle
- Future medical needs for chronic spinal conditions
Protecting the Rights of Hit-and-Run Victims
Hit-and-run accidents represent some of the most traumatic and challenging personal injury cases due to the additional emotional trauma of being abandoned by the responsible party. These cases require immediate investigation to preserve evidence and identify fleeing drivers.
Our legal team understands the unique challenges faced by hit-and-run victims and the importance of holding cowardly drivers accountable for their actions. We work tirelessly to ensure that victims receive full compensation for both their physical injuries and the emotional trauma of being left helpless at the scene.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will work with law enforcement to identify fleeing drivers, gather critical evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your hit-and-run case and learn about your legal rights.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances. This case result is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.