While a majority of people in Massachusetts likely never anticipate experiencing a car accident, most understand what to do when one does occur. That begins by staying at the scene of the accident in order to render aid, speak with law enforcement officials and exchange insurance information with the other involved.
Indeed, the law mandates this, which is why officials treat hit-and-run accidents so seriously. One leaving the scene of an accident not only still maintains any civil liability that stems from their actions, but also may open themselves up to criminal scrutiny.
Man in serious condition after auto-pedestrian accident on McGrath Highway
Such likely awaits a driver as state police investigate a hit-and-run accident that recently occurred in Somerville. Per the local CBS News affiliate, a car collided with a man leaving a local Stop and Shop as he walked along McGrath Highway near the intersection of Broadway and Route 28. Witnesses say the man sustained serious injuries in the collision, and first responders rushed him to a local hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries. Reports state that driver involved in the accident fled the scene; officials recently sought the assistance of locals in locating them.
Civil action argued concurrently with a criminal case
Most might correctly assume that criminal charges await the person responsible for the accident in the aforementioned case (along with those who cause similar incidents). This may dishearten accident victims (as they may think that any civil action they need to pursue must wait for the criminal case to play out). However, that is not the case. One can indeed seek compensation through a civil claim while officials also seek a criminal prosecution.
