Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
PORT RICHEY, FL – A Port Richey man was arrested after police said he left the scene of a crash on Monday, according to Pasco News Online.
37-year-old Kris Paterson is charged in the incident that occurred at the intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Hampton Road in Clearwater. Police said Paterson was driving a 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck when he made a right turn from a business parking lot and struck a man riding a mobility scooter.
The victim, 80-year-old Ernest Coluzzi, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition. Investigators said Paterson did not stop to help the victim but fled the scene at a high rate of speed. He stopped on Bayview Avenue to remove the scooter that became stuck under the pickup, police said.
Paterson was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and was booked in the Pinellas County Jail.
He is reported to have told police he was rushing to work at the time of the crash and told officers he felt something hit his vehicle but did not realize it was a person.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of another’s actions, and you believe they were negligent, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering. In the event of fatal accidents, the at-fault party can be held financially accountable for their actions. The Pinellas County wrongful death attorneys at Whittel & Melton will review your case, for free, and discuss what legal representation we can provide. Contact us at 866-608-5529 or through our online contact form to schedule a consultation.