A man, who was recently charged with conspiracy, robbery, misdemeanor reckless endangerment and accidents involving death or personal injury, after he stole a laptop from another man, could face a civil lawsuit as well.

The incident occurred in a Pittsburgh area parking lot when a man driving a car drove up to the pedestrian carrying the computer and took it from him. When the driver told the pedestrian that he could have the laptop back after paying a $300 ransom, the pedestrian attempted to grab the MacBook Air. As he leaned into the vehicle to try to get the item, the driver started to drive the vehicle.

The owner of the computer was injured when he was dragged by the vehicle. He became stuck between the moving vehicle and one that was parked, causing a broken foot. The vehicle then drove off.

While it was technology that was at the root of the incident, it was also technology that helped to lead to a fast resolution of the matter. The victim of the crime used his iPhone to take a picture of the back of the vehicle, presumably as it drove away. Based on the license plate, it was possible for the police to locate the car about an hour after the robbery occurred and the driver was arrested.

The severity of the break is not known. It is very possible however that the pedestrian could seek financial damages for his injury via a personal injury lawsuit. This could be viable regardless of what happens with the pending criminal charges.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Robbery snatches laptop in Oakland, drags victim," Moriah Balingit, Oct. 3, 2012

• Our Pennsylvania law firm handles pedestrian accident cases. Please visit our Pittsburgh personal injury page to learn more about us.