Rohitbhai Patel Arrested in Lawrenceville Hit-and-Run
The fatal collision occurred on Winder Highway near Stanley Court
A 3-year-old child was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Winder Highway near Stanley Court in Lawrenceville, Georgia, early on April 26, according to police.
Rohitbhai Patel, 67, of Snellville, was arrested Friday on charges of felony hit-and-run and second-degree vehicular homicide after investigators located a blue 2008 Honda CR-V at a nearby warehouse.
Officers initially responded to an apartment complex on East Crogan Street shortly after 5:10 a.m. for a report of a missing child. During a search of the area, they discovered the child lying unresponsive in the road.
The Gwinnett County Fire Department pronounced the child dead at the scene. Police noted the injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
The child's name has not been released by authorities.
How do criminal charges impact a hit-and-run investigation?
The loss of a child in a hit-and-run requires families to navigate both criminal proceedings and civil options. While the criminal justice system focuses on penalizing the driver who fled the scene, parallel investigations are often necessary to secure justice for the family of the victim.
"Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News. "Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions."
What legal options exist for families of hit-and-run victims?
An arrest for vehicular homicide initiates a criminal prosecution, but it does not automatically provide financial restitution to the family.
"Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party," noted Stefano Formica, who serves as a national legal analyst for Accident News and is of counsel at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from a crash scene and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party."
Individuals involved in hit-and-run incidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Georgia wrongful death statute
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Georgia applies modified comparative fault (50% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages focus on the full value of the life of the decedent, including both economic and intangible losses.