We all think we know how we would act if we were involved in a traffic accident.  We should stop, make sure everyone's okay, exchange insurance information, and get those who need medical attention the help they need.  But this doesn't always happen.  Sometimes even those who believe they would never sway from the required protocol might find themselves fleeing from an accident out of sheer panic.

It's not clear yet what happened the day one woman struck and killed a 14-year-old girl and left another girl, also 14, injured in a hit and run accident. She may have panicked, or she may not have fully realized the severity of the accident, when she fled the scene. Although the case is still in progress, another wrinkle has been added to the situation. The driver's boyfriend has also been arrested. He has been accused of tampering with evidence, and is being named an accessory after the fact.

Just as a hit and run driver might act out of a sense of fear and confusion, those who are close to someone who leaves the scene of an accident may also experience a lapse in judgment. There also could have been medical factors at play. While police are honor bound to follow through on whatever leads they have, a defense attorney needs to assure that everyone gets their voice.

Since there have not been any convictions so far, it may be that the accused driver and her boyfriend will wind up acquitted of charges related to this case. Nothing has been proven yet. While suspects are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, they are often tried and convicted in the news media long before the case ever hits trial. It's important to remember that the whole story is not yet known. Until the verdict is read, it is possible that additional details could come to light.

If the wrong person is being accused, it is important for a criminal attorney to help the courts and police figure this out as soon as possible so that the case can continue. Especially when children are involved, it is easy to get caught up in solving a case and lose track of finding the truth.