Drunken Hit-And-Run Accident Leaves Bicyclist Seriously Injured

Ann Arbor resident 44-year-old Kimberly Vernell Morse, plead guilty to driving while intoxicated causing serious injury, according to Ann Arbor{:target="_blank"}. She also pleaded no contest to a charge of failing to stop at the scene of a serious personal injury accident. Morse was arrested and charged as a result of hitting a bicyclist and fleeing the scene of the accident. Both charges are felonies that carry five-year maximum sentences.

Morse reportedly struck William Pidgeon, a 61-year-old bicyclist, on Dixboro Road in Ann Arbor Township around dusk on March 13. Morse then fled the scene and was arrested later when she crashed her car at U.S. 23 and North Territorial Road, according to reports. Pidgeon was found in a ditch later that evening by Washtenaw County Sheriff’s court officer Joe Laferier. Pidgeon was seriously injured and immediately transferred to a hospital where he battled for his life. Morse was on probation at the time of the accident and admitted in court to violating her probation. While Morse is currently free on bond, she is scheduled to be sentenced on all three charges in late October. Despite Judge Archie Brown’s statements that he would sentence Morse on the lower end of the law’s guidelines, she is still expected to be sentenced to around 14-38 months in prison.

Leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just negligent, it’s dangerous as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, more than one out of every 10 accidents reported to the police are hit-and-runs.  Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are often deadly; over 1,500 people a year are killed in hit and run accidents, and 60 percent of these people are pedestrians. The NHTSA believes that the reason most people are involved in hit-and-run accidents is because they are intoxicated and afraid of potential penalties. However, the penalties for a hit and run are always significantly worse.

Have you or someone you love been injured by a driver who fled the scene? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. You may be able to recoup damages for property damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The car accident attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are committed to securing our clients maximum compensation for any damages incurred. To see if you are eligible to file a claim, fill out our free case review form on the right.