The 76-year-old man who initially lied to authorities about hitting a teenage girl with his car this past October has been criminally charged. The car versus pedestrian accident occurred on Moon Clinton Road, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, after dark, on the fall night. In addition to reckless driving, he was charged with creating an accident involving death or personal injury. The latter charge is a felony.

The teenager was reportedly struck by the man's car as she and her boyfriend walked along the road. Immediately following the collision the man in the car continued on his way. Though he initially claimed to have spent the day at a mall and then the airport, he later admitted that he had been drinking at Appian Way bar. He said he had lied to protect the bar owners.

The force of the collision caused the young woman's shoes and socks to be pulled from her body. When she was found, she was reportedly unconscious and experiencing difficulty breathing. Blood was coming from her mouth. Shortly after the accident police characterized her serious injuries as potentially life-threatening.

After hearing about the incident on the television the following day, the man turned himself in. He claimed that at the time he thought he had hit a deer.

The injured woman may decide to seek financial compensation for her injuries. Such compensation may be available when another person's negligence is the cause of someone's injuries. Driving while intoxicated would likely qualify as negligent behavior.

Under the theory of dram shop liability the Appian Way bar may be held liable for the young woman's injuries as well.

After spending multiple weeks at the hospital, the teen is now continuing her recovery in a physical rehabilitation institution. Her prognosis is unknown.

Source: Beaver County Times, "Moon driver charged with striking teenage girl," Bill Utterback, Dec. 21, 2011