A 27-year-old woman was recently killed in an Oklahoma City car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a report by News OK, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred on SW 29 at Lee Avenue in Oklahoma City. Officials say the victim was crossing the street when a westbound car struck her. The 30-year-old driver responsible for the crash was arrested after an individual called the authorities with a tip regarding the whereabouts of the driver. He faces charges for transporting an open container of alcohol, having no driver’s license, and leaving the scene of a fatal collision.
Leaving the scene of an injury-causing or fatal car crash is illegal under Oklahoma law. According to Oklahoma Section 10-102.1, “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.”
The family of someone killed in a hit-and-run accident has a number of legal options depending upon the outcome of the investigation. If the authorities arrest the at-fault driver, then a personal injury claim can be filed to hold the hit-and-run motorist financially responsible. If, however, the driver is not found or has no insurance, compensation may be available through the uninsured motorist clause of the victim’s own auto insurance policy.
The experienced Oklahoma City car accident wrongful death lawyers at the Maples Law Firm have an excellent track record of helping hit-and-run accident victims obtain just compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Oklahoma auto accident, please contact us at (405) 705-5050 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
