Two people died and two others were injured as a result of a hit-and-run crash that occurred in Raleigh on Nov. 1. According to reports, the accident happened around 12:30 a.m. in the intersection of New Bern Avenue and Trawick Road.
A 28-year-old Louisburg man was driving a 1998 Honda passenger car east on New Bern Avenue. When he approached the intersection, he reportedly attempted to turn left onto Trawick Road when he had a green light. A Chevrolet Avalanche believed to be between the years of 2002 to 2006 allegedly ran a red light while traveling west on New Bern Avenue. The Avalanche struck the right side of the turning vehicle before fleeing the accident scene.
The accident killed two passengers riding in the Honda. A 24-year-old Fuquay-Varina woman and an 18-year-old Wake Forest woman both died as a result of their injuries suffered in the accident. The 28-year-old driver was not hurt, but two other passengers were both injured in the wreck. Police have not yet located the Avalanche or its driver, but state that they believe it may be black with a gray bumper. Police ask for any witnesses or others who may have information to contact them. They continue to investigate the accident.
Drivers have a duty of care when they are involved in an accident to remain at the scene, call for help and try to render aid to any injured person. When a hit-and-run driver who caused a fatal accident is caught, he or she will face significant criminal penalties. North Carolina's wrongful death statute additionally allows the families of those killed to file civil lawsuits against the negligent and wrongful driver. When the driver has also fled, punitive damages are often available in addition to compensatory damages for economic as well as noneconomic losses suffered.
Source: WRAL, "Two killed, three injured in hit-and-run wreck in east Raleigh", October 31, 2014