Homeless pushing wheelchair killed in Boston hit-and-run
Boston, MA – Boston police announced they have identified the driver who killed a homeless person in a hit-and-run accident last month. Abner Jean-Baptiste, a 36-year-old from Roxbury, was charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligence and leaving the scene of a crash. The accident happened late at night on Jan.20, near Mass. Ave. and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The victim was a 73-year-old man pushing a wheelchair carrying his meager personal possessions. The man was well-known to the people in the area. A few hours before the crash, a security guard at a nearby hotel had offered the man some money to get a warm meal and hot coffee at a nearby fast-food restaurant as it was a very cold night.
The security guard was still at work when the accident happened. He tried to run after the SUV, but to no avail.
The police identified the driver after locating an SUV with a damaged hood.
What to do if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Boston area?
In Massachusetts, hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common. Recovering damages for this type of accident can be extremely difficult. Victims or their families should contact seasoned Boston car accident lawyers right away. The police do what they can to locate the drivers, but it is important to have your own lawyer working on the case.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Massachusetts, you should:
Call the police
Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide as much information as you can, including the location of the accident, the make and model of the other vehicle, and a description of the driver if possible.
Seek medical attention
If you are involved in any type of crash, seek medical attention right away. Even if you are not badly injured, you will need medical reports when you file a personal injury claim. The first step is to notify your insurance company and collect the damages available under your Personal Injury Protection. Yet, if you sustain severe injuries, your PIP won’t be enough to cover your medical expenses, let alone your lost wages. Your only chance to recover your losses is to locate the driver and file a claim against their insurance.
Get witness information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them if they noticed anything that may help identify the driver. Get their contact information as their testimony may be required when you file a claim or sue the other driver.
Document the accident
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident. If you have visible injuries, have someone take a few photos.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Your insurance company may require a police report to process your claim.
Keep in mind that even if the driver is caught and charged, you still need to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages.
Have you been recently injured in an accident in the Boston area?
Don’t waste any time and contact a reliable attorney at the Neumann Law Group. Our attorneys have many years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Through our dedicated representation of car accident victims and their families, we will help you win the damages you are entitled to. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our toll-free number at 800-525-6386.