As reported by Thomas J. Morgan in the June 14, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, a Barrington teenager was injured by a hit and run driver over the weekend. The boy was riding his bicycle when he was hit and suffered minor injuries. The Barrington Police Department is currently searching for the driver.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 31-26-1, duty to stop in accidents resulting in injury (hit and run) is defined as the driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall then immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The penalties if convicted of hit and run – injury resulting include a mandatory loss of license for at least one year and not more than five (5) years and imprisonment for not more than five (5) years and/or fined up to five thousand dollars ($5,000). In this case it is unlikely the driver would be charged with hit and run – serious injury resulting because of how serious injury is defined. "Serious bodily injury" means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
If charged with hit and run – serious injury resulting, the penalties include imprisonment for not less than one year and for not more than ten (10) years and by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing judge shall have the discretion to sentence the person to any unit of the adult correctional institutions. Additionally, the license of the person may be revoked for a period of up to two (2) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize refusal to issue a license and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.
If you or a family member have been charged with hit and run, drunk driving or other driving related offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.