Clayton County Boy Suffers Injury Caused by Driver Indifference in Pedestrian Hit-And-Run
When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle on our Atlanta streets and highways, it is generally a serious accident that results in major injuries and even wrongful death. Because pedestrians are so vulnerable to serious injury when hit by a motor vehicle, it is essential that a driver involved in such a collision stop immediately to assist the pedestrian and summon emergency medical personnel.
Tragically, some motorists disregard their legal responsibility under Georgia law and choose instead to flee the scene and their responsibilities. A Clayton County pedestrian accident earlier this week involved just such a hit-and-run collision. Maurice Freeman, a junior at Mundy High School, told his mom he felt like “road kill” after being struck by a motorist that fled the scene.
To add insult to injury, the boy remained in the street for a substantial period of time following the pedestrian accident as motorists drove by but chose not to stop and render assistance. Maurice was taken to a local hospital where it was determined that he had a broken tailbone and pelvis as well as bleeding on the brain. Sadly, doctors do not know whether he will completely recover and retain all of his mental functioning because of the pressure and potential damage to his brain. If the driver that struck Maurice had stopped and rendered immediate assistance or had other drivers that passed by chose to stop and provide assistance or summon paramedics to the scene, this young boy’s prognosis might be better.
Georgia law requires that anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury is required to stop and provide medical assistance, which includes summoning emergency medical personnel to the scene. While most drivers are aware of this responsibility, this Clayton County pedestrian accident provides a clear example of the real consequences that can occur when that responsibility is not met. Maurice is a promising student with plans to become an oncologist. The callous actions of both the driver that ran Maurice down, and other motorists who chose not to render assistance or summon help may have derailed this promising student’s future life aspirations.
Fortunately, the principal at Callaway Elementary School, Marcus Fuller, stopped and parked his car to protect Maurice from passing vehicles. As in this Clayton County pedestrian accident, traumatic brain injuries require immediate medical attention. When bleeding occurs in the space between the skull and the brain, it can create pressure on the brain that can result in permanent brain damage and even death. The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Montlick and Associates commends Marcus Fuller and hope others follow his example when confronted with future Atlanta pedestrian accidents.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an Atlanta pedestrian accident or someone close to you dies, our experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers are available to provide an initial case evaluation and to answer your questions. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.