What Happened:
Asheville police have arrested a suspect in the hit-and-run accident that left another man injuredon a crosswalk. Over the weekend, police say Ian Mather was walking his family across a street in front of REI in Biltmore Park in downtown Asheville, NC. As his family made their way across the crosswalk, Mather was hit by a driver who drove up on the curb and then sped away. Mather was taken to Mission Hospital for his injuries and is undergoing surgery on his left leg.
Asheville Police immediately began a search for the man responsible for the accident, a driver in a white Acura. Thanks to a partial plate number they arrested Jeffrey Warren Ponder earlier this week. Ponder was charged with felony hit and run with serious injury and driving with a revoked license. His bond was set at $10,500. The next day another charge was added to the list, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.
The North Carolina Injury Lawyer’s Perspective:
After crashing into another car, the decision to bolt from the scene is not only heartless, it’s also against the law. Now, the driver responsible for the crash is likely to be convicted of criminal charges in addition to the civil penalties he could face.
In North Carolina, hit and run accidents are governed by North Carolina Statutes § 20-166. The law states:
Duty to stop in event of accident or collision; furnishing information or assistance toinjured person, etc.; persons assisting exempt from civil liability.
(a) The driver of any vehicle who knows or reasonably should know:
(1) That the vehicle which he is operating is involved in an accident or collision; and
(2) That the accident or collision has resulted in injury or death to any person; shall immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of the accident or collision. He shall remain at the scene of the accident until a law-enforcement officer completes his investigation of the accident or collision or authorizes him to leave; Provided, however, that he may leave to call for a law-enforcement officer or for medical assistance or medical treatment as set forth in (b), but must return to the accident scene within a reasonable period of time. A willful violation of this subsection shall be punished as a Class H felony.
The victim, or his loved ones, should consider speaking with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer to weigh their legal options. Just because the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges does not preclude the victim or his loved ones from seeking restitution through a civil claim.
Helpful Info:
Have Questions?
FAQs on the personal injury claim process in North Carolina.