Hit-and-Run Incidents in Southeastern Massachusetts: Cases of Leaving the Scene of Crashes Result in Serious Consequences, Including Death of an Elderly Man

Accident – Death – Obituary News : According to Mass.gov’s IMPACT crash data, there have been over 4,000 motor vehicle crashes this year in Brockton, Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Stoughton, Easton, and Raynham. Out of these crashes, around 200 were reported as hit-and-runs. The East Bridgewater Police Department recently addressed the issue in a Facebook post, emphasizing the importance of what individuals should do after being involved in a crash.

The post was made just two days after an incident where a hit-and-run driver struck an 11-year-old girl riding her bicycle in the parking lot of an East Bridgewater elementary school. The driver, a 62-year-old Florida woman, got out of her SUV to ask if the girl was okay but was still charged with leaving the scene of a crash.

In this particular case, the driver briefly stopped to see if the victim was alright, but because she did not identify herself, exchange contact and insurance information, and stay on the scene, it was classified as a hit-and-run. The driver later turned herself into the police and is facing charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury.

To prevent similar situations, the East Bridgewater Police Department has provided a list of actions to take if ever involved in a car crash. These include calling 911 and getting to safety, staying on the scene and exchanging information with all parties involved, reporting the accident to the police and insurance company, documenting the scene with photographs and written details, gathering contact details of any witnesses, and notifying the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

In Massachusetts, the consequences for a hit-and-run vary depending on the severity of the crash. For property damage alone, a first-time offender may face a fine of $20 to $200 and a prison sentence of 30 days to two years. If the collision results in injury, but not death, the at-fault driver can receive a misdemeanor with a mandatory prison sentence of six months to two years and a fine of $500 to $1,000. In the case of a hit-and-run resulting in death, the driver may face a felony charge with a mandatory sentence of two and a half to 10 years in state prison and a fine between $1,000 and $2,500.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run incidents are not rare in Southeastern Massachusetts. In August, a driver struck wheelchair-bound Phillip Bumpus in Bridgewater, leaving him severely injured. Bumpus passed away on November 8th. The driver, Bonnie Bowes, was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with personal injury, among other charges. In another incident in April, a hit-and-run crash on Route 24 in West Bridgewater resulted in the death of Erpharo Gilbert. The suspect, Juan Leonardo Parra Altamirano, turned himself in and was charged with various offenses. In March, Ryan Dinocco hit and injured a pedestrian in Bridgewater before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

These incidents highlight the importance of staying on the scene and taking the appropriate actions after a car crash. By following the guidelines provided by law enforcement agencies, individuals can help ensure a better outcome for everyone involved..