Local News
A hit-and-run driver struck and injured two Albany teenagers on South Slappey Boulevard in Albany Sunday evening, May 25, 2014.
The Albany Herald reports, 15-year-olds, Camryn Mitchell and Nalijah Miller, were leaving a community party at the Youth Outreach Center on Saturday evening when they heard gunshots. The two frightened friends ran away from the gunfire toward South Slappey Boulevard.
“As soon as we heard the gunshots we ran across the street and that’s when we got hit,” said Camryn Mitchell.
A southbound driver struck both children and fled the scene, leaving the boys in the roadway suffering multiple injuries.
Nalijah Miller “shattered the vehicle’s windshield, suffering a dislocated right shoulder, a bruised lung and receiving 30 staples for the multiple cuts to his back.” Camryn Mitchell suffered multiple injuries as well, including a fractured hip and concussion.
“I remember waking up in the grass in front of Popeyes and my friend crawling up of the glass of the front of the car,” recalls Mr. Mitchell, “It was just like I need to get out of here, get out of the road.”
Police were able to track down the vehicle’s license plate number, which lead them to the driver. She turned herself in late Tuesday morning and is now facing charges.
Our Legal Take
The Murray Law Firm is following media reports of the crash closely and questions why the driver failed to notice and stop for the children and, more shockingly, why she failed to assist the injured boys.
Was the driver distracted, impaired or speeding at the time of the crash? Do skid marks and traffic surveillance footage indicate how fast the vehicle was traveling? Were blood tests performed on the driver and, if so, did they reveal any evidence of alcohol, drugs or medications? Does traffic footage indicate whether the driver was texting or otherwise distracted at the time of the accident?
As the details of this investigation continue to emerge, the families of Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Miller may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for their substantial injuries. Total claims may be worth a significant sum, serving as a grave reminder to all Georgia drivers of the need to stay alert for pedestrians.
The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims and families of pedestrian hit and run accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 706.494.2800.