Chris Soules, former start of ABC’s hit reality show “The Bachelor,” has been charged with felony hit and run. According to The Washington Post, Soules was driving a pickup truck when he rear-ended a tractor driven by 66-year-old Kenneth Mosher, causing the tractor to roll into a roadside ditch. Police say that Soules fled the scene, and Mosher later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Although a conviction for felony hit and run comes with severe penalties, this crime is alarmingly common in Iowa. Each year, there are approximately 1,700 hit and runs in the city of Des Moines alone.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a hit and run accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. An injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum compensation. If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn the answers to three frequently asked questions about hit and run collisions:
- What percentage of hit and run fatalities are pedestrians?
Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that nearly 60 percent of all hit and run fatalities are pedestrians. Nearly 1 in 5 pedestrians who die in traffic accidents are victims of hit and runs.
- What should I do after a hit and run accident?
After any crash, your top priority is to seek medical attention. You should never try to chase a vehicle that is fleeing the scene; this will only make the situation worse. Rather, call the police, and if you are physically able, ask witnesses if they saw the vehicle that hit you. Take photos of the crash scene, write down everything you remember about the incident, and contact an injury attorney to discuss your case.
- How many people die in hit and run collisions each year?
According to USA Today, the number of hit and run fatalities is on the rise. In 2009, 1,274 people died in hit and runs. That number increased to 1,393 in 2010 and to 1,449 in 2011.
The 13.9-percent increase in hit and run fatalities is somewhat surprising given that the overall number of car crash deaths has been gradually declining. In 2009, there were 33,883 traffic deaths, and this dropped 4.5 percent to 32,367 in 2011.
What these numbers do not convey is the tremendous emotional and financial hardship endured by hit and run victims and their families. If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your case.
A Cedar Rapids injury attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 319-393-1020. You can learn more about car accident claims in Iowa by visiting https://usattorneys.com/car-accident/iowa/.