A man walking home from work one night in Vero Beach, Florida was struck and hit by a doctor on her way home from the office. Unfortunately, the details of what happened that night needed to be sifted through by a jury who ultimately found the doctor guilty for not stopping to render aid. The female doctor claimed she was unaware that she had hit a person, and thought it was only a traffic sign. However, when jury members saw photos of the vehicle post-accident, it was apparent that a human body was struck with the blood and bone fragments left on the vehicle.
The female doctor driving the vehicle did contact the police after arriving at her home that night. She was informed that she had killed a pedestrian and was taken into custody. Her guilty verdict has resulted in a $25,000 bail amount, confiscated passport, and a first-degree felony on her record. The victim’s family have pursued charges against the doctor for their son’s wrongful death.
Hit and run laws
Texas law requires that a person involved in an accident, stop to render aid. Fleeing the scene of an accident increases the amount of legal consequences the person is likely to face when found guilty. When the traffic collision results in physical damage or death, a third-degree felony applies to the guilty party.
Professionals facing legal trouble
Doctors are among many types of professionals who may find themselves battling legal charges for various reasons. When a professional is in this type of situation, the consequences often threaten their license to practice, their career, leadership role within their company, etc. It can be a devastating experience for the victim, their family and the person convicted of causing the accident.
Legal representation is the best way to protect the onslaught of consequences for individuals defending themselves in similar legal cases. Drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of the potential for accidents and what to do immediately after one occurs. Not all accidents are prevented, however, a long-term jail sentence can be in some cases.