New Hampshire Senior Charged With Negligent Homicide Months After Crash

In August of 2024, the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Although this accident made headlines due to the high-profile nature of the victim, hit-and-runs are nothing new in New Hampshire. People continue to suffer serious or fatal injuries due to reckless drivers who refuse to stop. In October of 2024, the 81-year-old driver responsible for this hit-and-run faced severe criminal consequences. While this type of criminal justice may bring closure to families, an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Hampshire may also help victims cover their economic and non-economic damages.

81-Year-Old Faces 15 Years in Prison for Fatal Hit-and-Run 

According to Seacoast Online, the senior told police that he had “blacked out” after drinking on the afternoon of the accident. At about 5:30 PM that day, he sideswiped the Air National Guard commander while the latter was trying to secure a load of hay to his truck and trailer. The commander had parked on the side of the road, hoping to address a potential safety concern before getting back behind the wheel.

Ironically, it was the commander’s safety-conscious approach that took his life. The senior driver, who reported feeling “light-headed” after leaving a local bar, sideswiped the parked truck and struck the victim. He then panicked and drove away – but the commander’s son witnessed the collision. In addition, the senior’s adult son immediately called 9-11 after his father admitted what he had done. At the time, the hit-and-run driver believed that he had simply struck a vehicle.

Although this senior now faces enough prison time to put him behind bars for the rest of his natural life, the family will never get their father back. Criminal charges may incarcerate victims, but families still face plenty of unpaid bills – including the emergency treatment and the funeral costs of the deceased. They also face emotional distress and the complete loss of a viable source of income.

Hit-and-Runs Continue Unabated in New Hampshire 

While this specific story made headlines due to the military leadership of the victim, hit-and-runs are relatively common in New Hampshire. At around the same time the senior was officially charged with negligent homicide, another hit-and-run occurred under similar circumstances in Pelham. Thankfully, the victim survived with “significant but non-life-threatening” injuries – but the suspect is still on the loose.

Can a New Hampshire Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A New Hampshire auto accident lawyer may be able to help the families of hit-and-run victims. Although criminal charges may provide some degree of justice, no amount of prison time will help survivors handle unpaid funeral costs, lost future wages, and psychological distress. In contrast, a wrongful death lawsuit could help provide considerable financial security. To discuss the potential next steps, consider contacting Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC today.

Sources: 

seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2024/10/25/negligent-homicide-charged-inh-air-guard-john-pogorek/75842818007/

wmur.com/article/pelham-new-hampshire-hit-and-run-1022/62682239