9-year-old Brooklyn Boy Suffers Severe Brain Injuries In Hit-and-Run Accident
A 9-year-old Brooklyn boy suffered critical auto accident injuries after he was struck by a teenage hit-and-run driver, who reportedly turned himself in to authorities later, according to a news report in The New York Times. Akeem Suluki suffered brain injuries and lung injuries and was transported to Kings County Hospital Center, the Times reported. Akeem was reportedly walking home from school and was walking along Macon Street close to his home when the tragic accident occurred.
After hitting the boy, 16-year-old Shyquan Burns drove away, but later turned himself in to police, the article said. The teenager was arrested and charged with driving without a license and with leaving the scene of an accident. The teenager in this case did the right thing by surrendering to authorities although he initially panicked and fled the scene of the new york auto accident.
It is indeed a horrible tragedy for the family of the young boy who has suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of this auto accident. The teenager obviously did not have the training to drive. He had no license and could not control the vehicle. It would be interesting to find out if he was allowed by his parents or guardians to drive or whether he took a vehicle without the permission or knowledge of his parents or guardians. That will determine to a great degree as to who will be held responsible for Akeem’s severe injuries.
For Akeem’s family, it is an uphill battle. From the trauma of seeing their boy suffer these critical injuries and losing his abilities to function normally like other children to paying high medical bills and facing the mounting expenses of continued treatment and therapy.
This tragic Brooklyn car accident is also another reminder to us about the dangers of teen driving. According to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of U.S. teens, accounting for 36 percent of all deaths in this age group. The risk of motor vehicle accident is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any age group. And according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2006, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 were four times likely than older drivers to crash. These numbers remind us further to serve as role models to our young drivers and make sure they get the training and education they need before they get on the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and have been a victim of someone else’s negligence, please call the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP., for a free consultation.
