DC Hit and Run Causes Fatality

In Northeast DC on August 30, a hit-and-run driver struck two women, killing one of them and injuring the other. According to DC police, the women were struck in the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue NE near the DC-Maryland border around 6:20pm. Both women were in the crosswalk at the time. Police say the driver was making a left turn onto Kenilworth Avenue NE from Eastern Avenue NE when the collision happened.

According to NBC Washington, Sherron Pressley, 51, died at the hospital. Pressley’s mother stated that she loved people, her family, and she was trying to get back into accounting.

The other woman, whose name was not released, suffered life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital. Friends say she suffered injuries to her head, arms, and legs. The most concerning injury was possible damage to her spine. More tests will be needed, but if suspicions are confirmed she may be facing a long road to recovery.

According to Jason Chalik, founding partner at Chalik and Chalik, "Even though a party has left the scene in a hit-and-run, victims should still try and pursue compensation for damages. Even though the at-fault driver may be unknown, there are still ways for hit-and-run victims to secure compensation."

Damages could be recovered through the following means:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This type of optional insurance coverage gives benefits in the event of an accident with a motorist who doesn’t have enough insurance coverage. In a hit-and-run incident, this insurance can kick in as if the motorist had remained on the scene but lacked insurance. The accident victim would receive damage recovery through his/her own insurance company.
• An investigation of the accident. While many hit-and-run cases remain unresolved, there is a chance that police investigation will come up with the at-fault driver’s identity. Surveillance footage of the crash, eyewitness statements, and other pieces of evidence may lead to the arrest of the hit- and-run driver. In these situations, accident victims can file civil claims in pursuit of compensation at the same time as ongoing criminal case against the driver for the unlawful act.
• A claim against a third party. In some car accident cases, there are third parties who may be liable for damages. For example, if a traffic light malfunctioned and made you collide with another driver who then fled the scene, you may have a third-party claim. In this case, it may be possible to pursue compensation from the party responsible for the traffic light. Third-party liability can make it irrelevant that the other driver fled.

Investigators said the vehicle that struck the women fled the scene and detectives have not been able to get a description of the vehicle at this time. It was last seen traveling southbound on Kenilworth Avenue. Anyone with information about the accident is urged to contact DC police immediately.