According to law enforcement authorities with the Niagara Regional Police, a 41-year-old Fonthill man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run accident that seriously injured a teenage girl. The incident reportedly occurred around 2:20 a.m. on April 2 in Pelham.
Reportedly, four teenagers, including the injured girl, were walking along Canboro toward Haist after crossing over from the south sidewalk to the north boulevard. The 41-year-old man was reportedly driving on Canboro Road when he apparently left the road, striking all four teenagers. The 17-year-old girl was thrown from the scene, suffering serious injuries.
After the crash, the man reportedly fled the accident scene. Responding emergency personnel transported her first to an area hospital and later on to Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital for treatment. At the time of reporting, she was in stable condition. An 18-year-old companion was also injured in the accident. However, his injuries were considered minor, and he was treated and released at the scene. The man who allegedly caused the crash was eventually apprehended and is currently in custody on charges of failing to stop in an accident causing injury.
When a car strikes a pedestrian, the individual traveling on foot may suffer catastrophic injuries. Unlike car occupants, pedestrians do not have the protection afforded by a vehicle’s frame. In the event a pedestrian is seriously injured, they may want to file a personal injury civil lawsuit against the driver. By pursuing such an action in court, it may be possible for the victim to receive compensation that offsets the damages suffered in the crash.
Source: Welland Tribune, “Update: Man charged in Pelham hit-and-run,” Maryanne Firth, April 3, 2015
