Boyfriend Makes Plea for Hit-and-Run Driver to Come Forward
A woman who was jogging has suffered serious injuries after she was struck by a hit and run driver on Monday night. Law enforcement continues to search for the driver responsible in the incident.
Odiliana Gonzalez and her boyfriend, Angel Pinto were jogging near the intersection of Country Club Prado and South Greenway Drive, at around 6 p.m. when Gonzalez was hit by a vehicle. Eyewitnesses to the incident describe the vehicle as being red, possibly a jeep. It was last seen travelling northbound on Red Road from South Greenway Drive.
Coral Gables Fire Rescue crews were called to the scene and transported Gonzalez, age 46, to Doctors Hospital. As of Tuesday, Gonzalez was listed in serious but stable condition. Family members indicate that she suffered serious injuries to both her legs and indicated that as a result of the accident will need to go through multiple surgeries.
Pinto has made a plea for the driver to come forward and asks if anyone in the public may have witnessed the accident, if they would report it to the Coral Gables Police Department. Coral Gables Police continue to investigate the accident.
To flee the scene of an accident classifies the incident as being a hit and run. Hit and run accidents increases the seriousness of the accident compared to other types of accidents many times over. According to Florida Statute 316.027 , if a driver is involved in an accident, and there are any injuries or fatalities, they must stop their vehicle immediately at the scene of the crash, or as close to the scene of the accident as is considered safely possible. If there are injuries or a fatality that result from a hit and run accident and you are convicted of the charge, the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident can result in up to 30 years in prison with a charge of first-degree felony.
Even though the temptation to flee is almost overwhelming in such an incident, don’t do it. Never be tempted to leave the scene of an accident before law enforcement arrives. The best thing to remember if you are ever involved in an accident is that you must remain at the scene of the crash until you have been released by law enforcement.
If you or a loved one have been involved in or the victim of a hit and run accident, call our offices as soon as possible. We will get your case started for you once you’ve had a chance to see a doctor. As soon as you are able, our attorneys will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your case. We can even come to your hospital room if need be. Our lawyers have years of experience in the Florida courts and have successfully represented our clients in accident cases.
We can help you recover the medical costs, the expenses of ongoing treatment and pain and suffering and even wrongful death that are caused by an accident. We will fight in order to get you what you the compensation that you deserve. We are here to help you and we are here to fight on your side. When you meet with us, your initial consultation with our attorneys is confidential and there is no cost or obligation.