Charges have been filed against a man who was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run collision that seriously injured a construction worker at the beginning of June. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 53-year-old Kenneth Gonzalez was driving under the influence at 9:30am when he veered into a construction zone on I-575 and struck Edwin Goodwin, a construction worker. Gonzalez reportedly fled the scene in a 2006 GMC Sierra pickup truck but was found hours later after two people recognized the car as the one reported as wanted by the police on a television news segment. Goodwin as taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta and is currently in stable condition.
Woodstock Police have charged Gonzalez with hit-and-run, reckless driving, aggravated battery, failure to report an accident with injuries, failure to report an accident with property damage, and failure to maintain lane. In addition, Gonzalez appears to have failed to abide Georgia’s move over law, which requires drivers to give workers and police space when they are stopped on the side of the road. In April, Gonzalez had been arrested for DUI, following too closely, and possessing an open container, according to reports. Goodwin worked for Marietta-based C.W. Matthews Constructing Co., which is working on the new Ridgewalk Parkway interchange on I-575.
Georgia’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers to give wide berth to police or emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Failing to abide by the Move Over Law can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 3 points on a driver’s license. On a two-lane roadway, drivers must slow down to below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop. On an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes, if an emergency or law enforcement vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, the driver must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
DUI accidents often leave passengers, other drivers, and bystanders with long-lasting and debilitating injuries. Injuries sustained in an accident involving someone driving under the influence leave victims the opportunity to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run, pedestrian, or DUI accident, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan.
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