A repeat Cincinnati hit and run driver was apprehended by police in late October. In her first hit and run crash, the driver, Margaret Hensley, 42, allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian before fleeing the scene. She was caught because she got into another hit and run accident just five miles away from the first, ramming into a parked car. The owners of the parked car were able to identify Hensley’s van, leading to her arrest.
According to police, Hensley is being charged with just one felony for fleeing the scene of an accident. There may be more charges to follow considering she killed a man and went on to perpetrate another hit and run. A wrongful death civil suit and property damage suit by the victims’ families will likely follow as well. A hit skip, as they call it in Ohio, is an unequivocally reprehensible crime, especially when the accident involves a pedestrian. The judge and jury of Hensley’s case are unlikely to be sympathetic in court.
Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents Involving a Death
Penalties for a hit and run that caused the death of a person are much higher than in other hit and run cases. While a hit and run case with no death or injuries is only a first degree misdemeanor, the accident described above that killed a man may result in a third degree felony for the driver. Included with the felony charge may be at least nine months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. This does not include the driver’s legal fees that could even exceed the fines.
Damages for the Victim’s Family
There will probably be two civil cases resulting from Hensley’s hit and run spree. One for each hit and run accident. The family of the man killed in the first hit and run will likely file a wrongful death claim against the driver while the owner of the parked vehicle will probably sue for property damages.
Some of the damages that the decedent’s family can sue for are loss of wages the man would have earned in his life, medical and funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of services provided by the decedent. In the second hit and run case the plaintiff can sue for the obvious damages to the vehicle but also the potential loss of income that could result in not having a vehicle.
Contact an Experienced Cincinnati Wrongful Death or Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a car accident caused by the recklessness or negligence of another party, do not hesitate to contact a wrongful death or car accident attorney at the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers . Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is never easy especially if you have a lawsuit to worry about. We are here to handle all your legal matters and give you the support you need in this incredibly painful time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
