An hit-and-run accident this week in Fall River left a 52-year-old woman with a broken leg and other serious injuries. Police allege that 32-year-old Antonio Martis hit Donna Adams as she was crossing the street after leaving a bakery, got out of the car and looked at her, then backed up-driving over Adams’ legs as he did so-and sped away. According to news reports, one car stopped to let Adams cross the street, but Martis’ vehicle was traveling so quickly on the wet roads and he was unable to stop in time. Witnesses to the accident began to chase Martis, who ended up striking a parked car and then a utility pole-leaving Martis’ face bleeding from the airbags that deployed. Martis has been charged with an leaving the scene of an accident, OUI, and assault and battery.
A witness to the accident took out his cell phone and began recording the accident after he saw Adams struck by the vehicle. He apparently captured Martis’ vehicle driving over Adams’ legs before he sped away.
The Massachusetts legislature and courts take hit-and-run accidents very seriously. Adams’ injuries could have been even more serious, and even fatal, and our sympathies are with Adams and her family.
Luckily, Martis could be tracked down and arrested by the police. In many hit-and-run accidents, the driver cannot be located, which can complicate insurance issues and a plaintiff’s chances of recovery. However, Martis’ failure to post $500 cash bail is certainly not a great sign for Adams’ civil recovery prospects, since defendants with deep pockets tend to heighten a plaintiff’s chances of compensation. Information on the extent of Martis’ insurance coverage (or lack thereof) has not been disclosed.
Man Accused of Driving Drunk, Hitting Same Woman Twice In Fall River, CBS Boson, February 14, 2012
Alleged OUI driver charged in Fall River hit-and-run being held, HeraldNews.com, February 15, 2012
Local woman survives horrific hit & run, WPRI.com, February 15, 2012