Hit-and-Run Driver Strikes Officer

A Metro police officer was injured while conducting a crash investigation when he was struck by another vehicle, according to recent reports. The officer was conducting a routine crash investigation at Spencer Street and Windmill Lane in Las Vegas when witnesses said another driver swerved around stopped vehicles, accelerated and hit the officer. The officer clung to the hood of the vehicle and pushed himself off as the vehicle rushed away. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his knee and hip and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The driver continued driving and eventually hit another vehicle. The crash finally disabled his car, and the driver and a passenger fled the scene on foot. The passenger was apprehended immediately while the driver was apprehended several hours later.

OFFICERS HIT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

When most people think of officer safety, the first thought that comes to mind is dangerous criminals who are possibly armed and may shoot at the police. However, according to a recent article in The Police Chief, more than 700 officers died in the line of duty between 2000 and 2009 because of automobile accidents. 2010 saw a significant increase in traffic-related accidents with 73 officers being killed, representing a 37 percent increase over previous years. Several police organizations along with the National Safety Commission partnered to launch the “Move Over, America” campaign.

This project was responsible for assisting states in enacting “Move Over” laws which require motorists to “Move Over” and change lanes in order to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM HIT BY A HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER?

Police officers are not the only ones affected by hit-and-run drivers. These dangerous drivers account for many accidents and injuries every year to thousands of innocent victims.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run driver, it is important to protect your rights. While you may think that you cannot collect damages in a hit-and-run accident, it is possible that you can, depending on the circumstances. The experienced auto accident attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law in Las Vegas are ready to help you recover the maximum amount of damages possible in any type of car accident case. Contact us today to learn how our 29 years of experience and aggressive representation of our clients translates into protection for you and your family from the damages caused by a careless driver.