WOMAN SUFFERS FRACTURED SPINE IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police made a recent appeal to residents across British Columbia, particularly in Vernon, for information regarding a driver who recently caused a crash that severely injured a 44-year-old woman and then fled the scene without providing assistance. The Dec. 3 accident reportedly happened at around 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of Alexis Park Drive and 38th Avenue.

RCMP officials said the collision involved a Jeep and a Hyundai. The driver of the Hyundai, the 44-year-old woman, was still inside her vehicle when officials arrived. She reportedly suffered serious injuries and was transported to Vernon Jubilee Hospital before being transferred to Vancouver General Hospital the following day.

The Jeep driver was not in the vehicle when police arrived at the scene, officials claimed. Law enforcement officials suspect that the hit-and-run driver was injured in the car accident. Vernon RCMP indicated that some members of the public have contacted them in response to a request for information about the crash and the possible whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver, but the investigation continues.

Although it is a more complex process, people who are injured in hit-and-run crashes can still seek financial compensation for damages associated with their crash-related injuries. While victims are unable to file a personal injury claim in civil court until the appropriate defendant is identified, they may file claims against the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia as a nominal defendant under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act. Due to this further complexity, the victims could seek out a lawyer for guidance and representation while filing their claims.

Source: InfoTel News, “Vernon RCMP still looking for driver who ran from accident scene,” Charlotte Helston, Dec. 08, 2014

Source: The Morning Star, “Motorist sent to Vancouver hospital after MVA”, December 04, 2014