Car Accident Lawyer Notes NY Times Report On Alleged Special Treatment For College Athletes
You never know when you need a car accident lawyer in New York City. An investigation by the New York Times into an October 5 traffic accident raises questions about how an alleged hit-and-run driver and star athlete was treated by law enforcement. The November 15 report details how the alleged incident resulted in no charges, only traffic citations, and it focuses attention on possible preferential treatment for college football players. The motorist involved in the accident was a starting defensive player for the Florida State University football team.
Accident Details
At about 2:37 a.m., the player allegedly drove a Buick Century into the path of a Honda CR-V driven by a male motorist returning home from his restaurant job. In the collision, the 18-year-old restaurant worker was reported to have suffered cuts and bruises related to air bag deployment. The football player and his two passengers then reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into the night. When the Florida State player did return to the scene about 20 minutes later, no alcohol test was administered by Tallahassee police.
Officer Initially Notes Hit-and-run
The New York Times provided evidence that a Tallahassee police report initially identified the incident as “hit and run,” but no charges resulted. By contrast, in another accident that also occurred in the city, police did charge a motorist with hit-and-run, even though he and his mother contacted police a half-hour later to report the relatively minor accident. The non-injury accident had occurred at an estimated 5 mph, and only minor damage resulted.
License Suspended After Fines Not Paid
Following the October 5 crash, the football player was cited for making an improper left turn and for unknowingly driving with a suspended license. Two days after the incident, the Times reports that the player paid $296 in overdue fines previously assessed due to a previous speeding citation. The October 5 incident resulted in $392 fines, but the player’s license was suspended again when those fines were not paid.
It is important to note that a person injured due to alleged negligent conduct may still pursue damages regardless of how any possible criminal matters are handled by law enforcement. Civil litigation and criminal charges are handled in entirely different court jurisdictions.
When injury due to negligence can be reasonably asserted, an injured party may seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and possible lost wages. To discuss the details of an accident that you or a family member may have been involved in with a car accident lawyer, please contact us.