Grace Snyder, 17, was injured in an Oregon car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing an on ramp at the Garden Valley Interchange in Roseburg. According to a KPIC news report, the driver, 38-year-old Laroy Cobb, fled the scene of the accident that happened the evening of January 23, 2010. But officials were able to get a description of Cobb's vehicle out and the suspect was eventually stopped and arrested by Oregon State Patrol officials. Cobb is facing a number of criminal charges including failure to perform the duties of a driver, assault, reckless endangerment and failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. Snyder was transported to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries.

I sympathize deeply with this teenager who was injured in the collision. I'm glad to note that Grace did not sustain major or life-threatening injuries in this pedestrian accident. I wish her the very best for a physical and emotional recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Oregon Hit-and-Run Laws

According to Oregon Revised Statutes section 811.705, a person commits the offense of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons if the driver fails to stop at the scene of the accident, remain at the scene, exchange information with the other parties and render any possible assistance to the injured parties. The motorist is required to remain on scene until law enforcement officials arrive on scene.

In this case, if the details of this news report are accurate, Cobb did none of the above. Instead, he apparently struck a teenager and drove away from the scene. It also appears that the pedestrian, Grace Snyder, had right-of-way to cross the street. It seems to me that Cobb failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian. If he is determined at-fault he could be held criminally and civilly liable for the accident and injuries.

Claim for Compensation

Snyder and her family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will make sure the victim receives fair compensation for her injuries. Also, the article states Cobb did not have car insurance. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will also be able to advise accident victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident that involves a hit-and-run driver or a motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.