Hit-and-Run Victim Dies

Posted by Minnesota Lawyer on Mar 14, 2009 in Accident | 0 comments

Joan LeVasseur, 26, has died as a result of a hit-and-run accident in Apple Valley, MN on March 6.  Ms. LeVasseur was walking across a road when she was hit by a vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle apparently sped away after hitting Ms. LeVasseur, who had suffered serious head trauma and brain injuries.

Her family stated in a press release issued by Hennepin County Medical Center:

Joan was a person who embraced life, and in her passing, she continues this legacy by donating her organs to those who need them. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers throughout this past week, and for your continued support as we say goodbye to Joan.

Police may have located the vehicle that hit Ms. LeVasseur:

According to the Apple Valley Police Department, they got a tip Wednesday about a 2003 Ford Focus with front-end damage parked outside a home near Cedar Avenue and 162nd Street West in Lakeville.

The car was seized and taken to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul. The owner of the vehicle has not yet spoken with detectives.

If the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident flees, it is a felony if the accident results in death or “great bodily injury” (Minnesota Statutes 169.09, Subdivision 14 (1 and 2).  The penalty for this is up to 3 years of imprisonment if there is a death and up to 2 years if there is great bodily injury.

This tragic death highlights the need for longer sentences for hit-and-run drivers.  Although there may not have been an intent to hit Ms. LeVasseur, there was an intent to leave the scene of the accident and not get medical help for Ms. LeVasseur–essentially leaving her to die.

In addition to possible felony charges, the driver, the owner of the vehicle and others may be liable under civil law for the losses suffered by Ms. LeVasseur’s family.  For wrongful death compensation information, please contact our Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm: call 1-888-377-8900, call 612-338-0202 or submit our free consultation form.

Sources:

1. Paul Walsh, Grieving Apple Valley family lets go of daughter, Star Tribune, March 13, 2009.
2. Police seize suspect car in Apple Valley hit-and-run, KSTP, March 12, 2009.

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