An elderly driver has admitted to hitting a young cyclist and failing to report the accident. Francesca Menzies, aged 84, pleaded guilty to charges in a Nelson District Court following the incident where she struck a 14-year-old girl who was cycling home after school.
On the fateful afternoon, the streets buzzed with moderate post-school traffic. The teen cyclist moved right to avoid a parked car, but as she did, Menzies’ car collided with her. The impact was so forceful that it split the girl’s helmet in two, causing her to suffer from mild to severe concussion, bruises, and grazes.
While Menzies did stop to offer an apology and provide her contact details, she neglected to notify the police about the accident. It wasn’t until the teenager’s mother reported the crash the subsequent day that the authorities were informed.
Dave Holloway, Menzies’ attorney, mentioned that his client was unaware of the obligation to report the mishap to the police. As a consequence of the event and her actions, Judge Tony Zohrab has convicted Menzies and suggested the possibility of restorative justice. She is scheduled for sentencing in January 2024.
Such occurrences highlight that accidents can happen anywhere, irrespective of location or familiarity of roads. It underscores the importance of vigilance, especially in areas frequented by young individuals.
When a teen suffers brain injury from an accident, it can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems that require ongoing medical support. It is essential for teenagers (and all drivers) to be aware of the importance of reporting an accident, so that appropriate measures can be taken to ensure safety—for both the individual involved in the crash and those around them.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury from an accident, contact the Brain Injury Help Center in California. We’re committed to guiding you toward the best medical treatment and offering comprehensive legal support. Your health and rights are important to us.
