Teen Hit and Run Driver Turns Himself In
The tragedy of losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming to families, especially when young people are involved. Such a tragedy unfolded on the streets of Ft. Lauderdale when a young boy was killed in a hit and run crash this past weekend.
A young boy has died and another is hospitalized after a hit and run accident over the weekend. In a story that appeared on the CBS Local website in Miami, Zahgwe St. Dic, 13 and Cedric Tipton, 15 had been out riding their bicycles in the 3300 block of Northwest 19th Street when both boys were struck by a car.
The driver of the vehicle took off after the accident, leaving the two injured boys behind.
Emergency crews rushed both Zahgwe and Cedric to the hospital. Zahgwe later died as the result of the injuries he suffered in the accident.
According to Dillard School Board Member, Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Zahgwe was quiet, loved school, football and had a very positive outlook about his future. He was the kind of a student that always wanted to do the right thing for others. Both school staff and Zahgwe’s parents are devastated by the 7th grader’s death.
The person responsible for the accident has been identified by authorities as Michael Jumpp, 19. The teen has been charged in the case. It turns out, according to Osgood, that Jumpp was a past student at Dillard High School.
Osgood says that after the crash, Jumpp went home to inform his mother. He later did the right thing by turning himself in to police.
The other boy who was struck by Jumpp, Cedric Tipton, remains on life support at Broward Health Medical Center.
Whenever someone is involved in a serious accident, the instinct that is felt immediately after to either fight or to fly can be an almost irresistible urge. Legally, anytime there is an accident, those involved must stop and stay at the scene until released by law enforcement. This is especially true if there are any injuries or deaths involved. For a young, inexperienced driver, it is natural to want to escape from danger. Jumpp absolutely did the right thing by going to his parent and later turning himself in to face up to his responsibility.
No is ever completely safe from being involved in a serious accident. The best that anyone can do is to practice safe driving habits. To do this, it means practicing defensive driving, avoiding any kind of distractions while behind the wheel and respecting speed limits and other posted and unexpected directives encountered on the road.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident in the greater Miami-Dade area, give our offices a call. When having to cope with the aftermath of such a tragedy that is the time is when having an experienced attorney working for you is crucial. In such a case you may be entitled to compensation for any damages, medical costs, funeral expenses or any matters which require the advice of an attorney.
When you call our office, we will schedule an appointment to go over the details of your case then outline all of the potential options available to you. We will then assist you in filing any insurance or legal paperwork that is needed. We will also be happy to act as your representative to deal with any other agency, person or company connected with your accident case so that you and your loved ones can concentrate on putting your lives together again after the accident.
Call today at the number on your screen or use our web contact form to schedule a free consultation and legal analysis.