The state of Pennsylvania takes hit-and-run accidents very seriously. A mother of four is learning that the hard way after leaving the scene of a car accident earlier this year. The woman, who is trained as a clinical psychologist, reportedly hit a 21-year-old woman on Broadway, in Gloucester City, as she was providing someone with directions while her father was loading her disabled vehicle onto a tow truck that the family owned.

Immediately following the collision, the 42-year-old woman driving the minivan when it hit the young woman, was uninsured and fled. She reportedly hid her minivan in another state and waited two days before turning herself into the authorities. Because the woman did not have a criminal history or appear to be speeding or intoxicated at the time of the accident she was charged with two third-degree crimes. In addition to endangering a person who was impaired or helpless, she was charges with leaving the scene of a car accident that resulted in serious bodily injury.

As a result of the crash, the 21-year-old woman flew close to 75 feet through the air. Sadly, she was seriously hurt in the accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury. She is currently not able to talk or walk. Her mother takes care of her 16 hours a day. The remaining eight hours a day she is cared for by nurses.

The driver of the minivan was sentenced earlier this month. She received three years of probation. At the sentencing the judge indicated that felt the woman showed a lack of compassion when she left the scene.

Because caring for a severely injured person can be a financial as well as emotional strain, in cases like this, it is not uncommon for the family of the injured person to seek financial compensation for the injuries their loved one sustained. While money cannot fix everything, it may make it easier to care for the injured person.

Source: The Inquirer, "Woman gets probation in Gloucester City hit and run," Darran Simon, Oct. 23, 2011