A Franklin man has been indicted on federal charges after fleeing the scene of a bicycle accident, caught on camera. On July 8, two bicyclists were riding in Williamson County when a car sped past them, knocking one over and causing serious injuries. The other cyclist’s head-mounted camera captured video footage. The footage was then posted online.
When they found the driver, authorities noted that stickers from the back of his vehicle were removed to prevent identification. He claimed that one of the cyclists threw their bike at his car, an account directly contradicted by the video.
He could be facing up to 12 years in prison on aggravated assault charges, up to five years for lying to a federal agent and up to 20 for obstruction of justice.
INJURED IN A HIT-AND-RUN? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
If you have suffered injury in a hit-and-run, your immediate actions will determine whether you are able to identify the responsible party and seek damages. If the police are able to find the perpetrator, you can pursue a claim with his or her insurance company. Or, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you cannot find the party responsible, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company.
Immediately following a hit-and-run:
- Remember everything you can about the car that hit you. Color, make, model and if you don’t get the license plate number, at least try to remember what state it was for.
- Take photos of the scene, including damage to your vehicle (bike, car or otherwise) and your injuries.
- Get medical attention, even if your injuries do not appear serious. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injury, may not manifest right away.
- Call your insurance company immediately and present the facts – and only the facts – to the company. Don’t say things like, “I feel fine,” or “I should have seen it coming.” Insurance companies like to use these casual statements as reasons to deny or short pay your claim.
2 Cor 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”