A man crossing a busy street in Salt Lake City, Utah was hit and killed on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. According to reports given by the deseretnews, the driver hit the man and fled the scene of the accident. This Utah pedestrian hit-and-run accident happened at around 6:10 in the morning when a man was crossing at 2100 South near 450 East. He was nearly across the street when he either stumbled or dropped his backpack. As he bent over to pick up his backpack, he was struck and killed by a car headed westbound.
Several motorists witnessed the accident and called 911. A UTA bus driver stopped and attempted to help the man but officials believe he was killed on impact.
Police are asking for the public’s help to find the party responsible. Witnesses told police that either a light blue or silver Nissan Xterra or Subaru Forester was seen leaving the area and was in the lane when the man was hit. The vehicle had a luggage rack on top and a spare tire hanging from the rear of the car.
Police have not been able to identify the man because there was not an ID inside of his pants or backpack. I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of this man.
Utah Hit-and-Run Laws
Regardless of who has fault in the accident, Utah law 41-6a-401 states: (1) The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to another vehicle or other property shall:
(a) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible without obstructing traffic more than is necessary; and
(b) remain at the scene of the accident until the operator has fulfilled the requirements of this section.
A person who violates the provisions of this law can be found guilty of a class A misdemeanor and face a fine of a minimum of $750.
Ron Kramer is a Salt Lake City, Utah pedestrian accident attorney.