Personal Injury Law Blog
Driver arrested for fleeing scene of bicycle accident
A 22-year-old man was arrested for driving drunk and fleeing the scene of an accident after allegedly hitting a bicyclist in Urbana, Illinois. He told authorities he “panicked” and drove away despite realizing he had struck the bicyclist.
Mitchell Snodgrass, 22, pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident. If convicted, he could face penalties ranging from probation to a 12-year prison sentence.
Bicyclist Jonathon Parrish, 28, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. He suffered a broken nose, fractured ribs and brain swelling. Parrish was hit from behind as he was riding his bicycle with two others at night.
Illinois State Police arrested Snodgrass after tracking him down at his home. Authorities said he admitted to drinking several beers at an Urbana bar prior to the accident, striking the victim and panicking. “He said he was scared and left. He confessed to his wrongdoing,” said Urbana police investigator Sgt. Matt Bain.
Preliminary tests revealed Snodgrass had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.168, twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Illinois. He also provided blood and urine samples for testing.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to discuss your case.
