• infinitesunrise@slrpnk.net
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    13 days ago

    Having a friend who’s life was derailed for years after being dragged under a van for a block, I’m guessing he didn’t even notice. Just straight-up oblivious. The driver who right hooked my buddy and dragged him, as far as anyone could tell, was completely unaware of what had happened. And an Ecoline is both smaller than and has better visibility that one of these modern bloater trucks.

    • Showroom7561@lemmy.ca
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      13 days ago

      I’m guessing he didn’t even notice. Just straight-up oblivious. The driver who right hooked my buddy and dragged him, as far as anyone could tell, was completely unaware of what had happened.

      As terrible as that must have been, the driver could very well argue ignorance (they should still be in deep shit for it, though).

      But in this case, the driver was being hailed by multiple witnesses who were trying to stop him from leaving the scene, and he fled faster!

      He might claim negligence for the initial hit, but not for the rest of it.

      • infinitesunrise@slrpnk.net
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        13 days ago

        Right but my point is that in that raised climate controlled soundproofed cab he might legitimately not heard shit. Not that it should be an excuse, but an American judge would probably disagree with me on that. Old fart’s got his culpable deniability.

        • Bane_Killgrind@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          13 days ago

          That’s what licencing is for.

          You assume that licence drivers understand the limitations and risks of the vehicle they are in.

          You assume that they would drive slowly and/or with a window down if they can’t see/hear well enough to avoid hitting things in a residential area.

          Not this

          “I knew I hit a bicycle, but I didn’t think there was a kid on it,” Hunter said, according to the charges.