In November 2012, Uri Samson lost his son after he was hit by a driver who fled the scene of the bicycle crash and did not turn himself in until the following morning.
Samson is now pushing for changes to the countrys laws and asking that fleeing the scene of a fatal crash carry a minimum sentence. Currently, there is only a maximum sentence for fleeing the scene.
If someone you love has been wrongfully killed in a hit-and-run accident, contact our car crash lawyers. We have achieved numerous successful verdicts and settlements on behalf of car accident victims and their families.
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Samsons 35-year-old son was riding his bicycle when he was hit by Miguel Oliveira near Davenport Road and Lansdown Avenue on a Friday morning. Oliveira fled the scene of the accident and did not turn himself into police until late Saturday.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, there were 477 convictions for fleeing the scene of an accident in 2013. That same year, there were an additional 361 convictions for failing to remain at the scene of a collision.
Currently, a person may be fined between $400 and $2,000 for failing to remain at the scene of an accident. They might also receive a six-month prison sentence. However, cycling advocates and families of hit-and-run victims believe this is a weak provision. Advocates also believe that sentencing should be similar to that of impaired driving.
Toronto city council has asked the province to consider higher penalties for drivers who injure vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. However, it is unclear if the province is looking into going through with the citys request.
In the meantime, families, like the Samsons, will continue to fight for stronger legislation that will provide some type of justice for families who lose a loved one as a result of a careless driver.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, we believe that all families deserve justice, which is why we proudly represent victims of automotive accidents and their families. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car wreck, contact us for a free legal consultation.
Call (866) 320-4770.