A woman was killed in a hit-and-run Washington DC car accident at Dupont Circle early Thursday morning. The victim Kiela Marie Ryan, 24, from Columbia, Maryland.
Police say that Ryan was struck by an SUV and that that the vehicle’s driver did not stop at the crash site. However, police were able to apprehend the alleged hit-and-run driver, whose driver’s license plate number was written down by a witness. The suspect, Jorida Davidson, was apprehended in the Chevy Chase area.
According to Montgomery police CPl. Dan Friz, Davidson has been charged with driving with the influence. She also pleaded not guilty to the criminal charge of voluntary manslaughter.
Davidson, who is an Albanian citizen with a green card, is married to a US citizen. A DC superior court judge told her to turn in her passport so she wouldn’t pose a flight risk. Her driving privileges are suspended.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Drivers involved in a DC traffic crash are supposed to stop at the accident scene. Not only is hit-and-run driving against the law, but it also can result in catastrophic consequences if the pedestrian, motorcyclist, or an occupant of another vehicle involved is injured and a motorist doesn’t call for help. Injuries may become more serious and can even lead to death.
If you were injured in a Washington DC car accident involving a hit-and-run driver—even if police do not apprehend the negligent motorist—you still be able to file a recovery claim with your insurer.
Deadly hit-and-run in D.C., The Washington Post, October 7, 2010
Dupont Hit and Run Driver To Be Charged With Voluntary Manslaughter, DCist, October 2010
Dupont Circle Hit and Run Suspect Released by Superior Court, WUSA9, October 11, 2010
Related Web Resources:
District Department of Transportation
Maryland Car Accident Attorney
Our Washington DC personal injury lawyers represent clients injured in car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, bus collisions, and other kinds of injury accidents.