Every motorist in Hawaii is obligated to act with caution while driving, in accordance with a traffic and safety regulations. Reckless drivers are menaces to all who share the road, including pedestrians. In fact, sometimes, simply trying to cross the street can become a life or death situation. A recent incident involved a family of four who were navigating their way across the street in a marked crosswalk.
A man, his wife, and two sons, ages 3 and 6 months respectively, were crossing the road when a moving vehicle is said to have struck them. Thankfully, the father was not injured. The mother was hurt but a recent update indicated she was in good condition.
The two young children did not fare as well, however. They both suffered head injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The parents are surely quite as their older child was reported to be in serious condition and the younger son’s injuries were listed as critical. Any parent whose child has ever been hit by a car understands how touch-and-go things can be in the hours and days that follow an accident.
A 26-year-old woman, who also had a child in her car, was apparently seen fleeing the scene with the child on foot. Authorities later apprehended her and say she is suspected of driving while intoxicated. Her husband was reportedly also arrested for hindering prosecution. When reckless drivers cause injuries to children in Hawaii, parents (or other legal guardians) may pursue personal injury claims for them in civil court, seeking compensation for damages sustained.
Source: khon2.com, “Woman arrested after truck hits infant, toddler in Waimanalo”, Dec. 5, 2016