Reckless drivers can imperil Connecticut pedestrians of any age. For example, New Haven police are searching for the driver of a white van that struck a 9-year-old girl as she ran from a school bus at the intersection of Ferry and Pine Streets during the morning of Mar. 18.
A surveillance camera on the bus captured audio of the accident. Witnesses said that, around 7:30 a.m., the victim ran across the street to ask the bus driver if that was her bus. The driver said no. The driver told the girl to be careful, according to the video. He then told the girl to hold on and screamed when the van hit the victim as she ran to the daycare.
Police said that the driver sped away from the accident, traveled south on Ferry Street and then turned west on Grand Avenue. Police believe that the vehicle was a white 1996-2002 model Chevrolet Express Cargo van. The van would likely have suffered damage on its front bumper on its passenger side and the headlight may have also been damaged.
The victim was immediately transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police asked the public for any information on the van or its driver.
As this accident demonstrates, a fatal pedestrian accident is a risk in Connecticut. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that 36 victims were killed in pedestrian accidents in the state in 2012.
Victims or their families should understand their legal rights and how to seek compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney will protect the rights of victims and their families.
Source: NBC Connecticut, “Police release photo of van involved in hit-and-run,” Mar. 23, 2014
