Hit-and-Run Victim Dies
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.
Doctors See No Recovery for Hit-and-Run Victim
The family of a 26-year-old Apple Valley woman who was run over by a hit-and-run driver last Friday night while walking to Cub Foods has decided to end life support for her.
Family members of Joan LeVasseur said on a Caring Bridge internet web page that doctors have told them that there is no sign of a meaningful recovery. With “heavy hearts” the family said it has decided to take her off life support because they believe that is what she would want.
Previously, family members said that Joan suffered severe head trauma and brain injury in the accident, which happened shortly after 9 p.m. Police said Ms. LeVasseur was walking in a crosswalk at Cedar Avenue and 153rd Street in Apple Valley when a vehicle struck her and drove away. She is engaged to be married.
Based on a tip from the public, Apple Valley Police said they later recovered a 2003 Ford Focus sedan that they believe has front-end damage from striking Ms. LeVasseur. Capt. Jon Rechtzigel told the Star Tribune the vehicle and residents of the house where the vehicle was recovered are closely associated, but he declined to elaborate. He said the residents are hiring a lawyer and are not talking to the police.
The car was found in a residential garage about a mile south of the accident scene.
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injury. Even a minor accident may result in brain injuries. At PritzkerOlsen Attorneys, our Minnesota traumatic brain injury lawyers understand the importance of obtaining just compensation for victims and families. To contact our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete a free online consultantion form.
