Driver Faces Serious Criminal Charges and other Legal Action after Fatal Hit and Run

A 21-year-old man, J.P., charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident in Colorado Springs may also be facing a wrongful death claim from the family of the man who was killed in the early December accident. J.P. was driving his vehicle north on the Colorado 115 at about 2:30 a.m. when he came across a man standing on the embankment who flagged him down. The man, 26-year-old R.H., said that he had crashed his vehicle over the embankment and asked for a ride for his passenger and himself. J.P. said he couldn't give them a ride because his vehicle was full of equipment from a job he had just done. R.H. reportedly got angry with J.P. for refusing to give them a ride and began assaulting him. J.P. managed to leave the scene but made a U-turn about half a mile away and proceeded south on the 115.

As he approached the location where the two men where near their disabled vehicle he said that one of the men stood in the roadway. He tried to avoid the man but was unsuccessful and struck him. J.P. continued southbound away from the location without stopping or calling for help. Police and emergency medical help were called to the scene but the man, R.H.'s passenger, had suffered fatal injuries and died.

Police were able to locate J.P. the next day when he allegedly confessed to a college recruiter that he had accidentally struck a man in the road the night before. The recruiter called police and J.P. was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and vehicular homicide, both felony offenses. Do you wish to pursue a wrongful death claim after losing a family member? Speak with a personal injury attorney today to find out more about your legal rights in this matter.

Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one in a car accident or other incident caused by recklessness, negligence or other carelessness can be devastating. You may find a degree of solace in taking action to get the responsible party held legally liable for damages they have caused. The Law Firm of Ted Bills stands ready to serve clients in injury accident cases. Contact the firm now to schedule a free initial consultation on your case.