Center City Bicyclist Latest Victim In Philadelphia Hit And Run Car Accident Pandemic
According to news sources a woman in her forties riding a bicycle in center city was critically injured by a suspected drunk driver on Saturday evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. at 22nd and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA. The operator of the truck continued after the impact but was flagged down and stopped by SEPTA police at 22nd and the Parkway. The victim was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and reported in non-stabled condition with severe trauma. The driver of the truck, a 79-year old man, was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence.
I have been writing now for many years that the hit and run car accident situation is out of control in Philadelphia and enough is enough. Penalties are needed with more teeth in them. For the last year, we have noticed an interesting upward trend whereupon many cases of hit and run occur involving repeat DUI offenders with minimal insurance coverage or no coverage at all where innocent victims have been catastrophically injuried or killed. Believe it or not, the current law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania actually benefits those who leave the scene of an accident when intoxicated. DUI punishments and hit and run penalties need to be much harsher in Pennsylvania as DUI and hit and run accidents tear families apart. Pennsylvania has a significant loophole that actually rewards people who leave the scene of an accident while intoxicated.
The experienced hit and run car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily feel strongly that with the rate of hit and runs and recidivism on the rise, minimal prison sentences and fines are not enough. The hit and run car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily feel that anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is no different than a man carrying a gun who kills someone where the penalty is much higher.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run or car accident, please contact one of the experienced Philadelphia hit and run and car accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily for a free consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.