Suspected hit-and-run driver arrested in Southeastern Missouri
Gale Smith, 41, of Piedmont, Mo. was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another.
The accident happened early Saturday morning when Dean Nordman, 41, and Jacob Thomas, 14, were attempting to cross Route HH in Wayne County. A westbound vehicle hit both pedestrians and left the scene, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Nordman was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas was flown to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau with serious injuries.
According to a Southeast Missourian report, Smith was initially arrested on a warrant for parole violation and a charge of child neglect. After he was taken brought in, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers began questioning Smith about the hit-and-run accident.
One official cited in the Southeast Missourian report said that fog may have contributed to the accident.
Leaving the scene of a Missouri car accident, even if you do not think there were any injuries, can result in felony charges and jail time. It is grossly irresponsible to leave the scene when a fellow driver or pedestrian may have been hurt.
Even if Smith is cleared of the charges and the true hit-and-run driver is never found, Nordman’s family may still be able to pursue a claim on his own auto insurance. Auto insurance companies provide uninsured motorist benefits, which are designed to protect you should you be involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
