Pedestrians might find themselves at the mercy of vehicles in regards to motor vehicle accidents. Pedestrian accidents are often most severe for the pedestrian. A man was recently tried and sentenced for his involvement in a Missouri hit-and-run accident that ultimately killed an innocent pedestrian.

On July 23, 2013, witnesses claim to have seen a white truck pulling a trailer hit a pedestrian and a light pole on Highway 210 in Kansas City. The driver of the truck fled the scene before authorities arrived. The pedestrian was found near the shattered light pole, face down and dead. Authorities confronted the 56-year-old man who was the suspected driver in the fatal hit-and-run accident.

Witnesses saw the man and police confirmed that his trailer had damage that was consistent with that of hitting a light post. There was also dashcam video evidence of what looked like his truck and trailer passing as the police headed to the scene. He admitted to driving the truck, striking the pole and hitting the pedestrian. He was sentenced to six years for involuntary manslaughter and three years for leaving the scene of an accident.

Though pedestrians do not have the physical protection of a metal vehicle surrounding them, they have legal protection. Victims of pedestrian accidents in Missouri may have the right to sue the negligent driver in a civil court. In a situation like this, the family of the deceased victim may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver. A successful claim may result in compensation for funeral expenses, loss of wages, or simply give the sense that justice has been served.

Source: fox4kc.com, “Fatal hit-and-run driver sentenced to 9 years in prison“, Kasey Babbitt, August 10, 2015