Many schools in and around the Las Vegas metro area are observing spring break this week. That means there are a lot more kids out on the streets not only during daylight hours, but also at night (because they don’t have school the next morning). So it is imperative that motorists remain extra vigilant when driving around the valley.

Unfortunately, one teenager will spend at least part of this week in an area hospital after being struck by a sport utility vehicle. Around 8:30pm Monday night, the SUV reportedly hit the 16-year old boy near the intersection of Pecos Road and Cheyenne Avenue in North Las Vegas, which is adjacent to the Cheyenne Sports Complex. The teen was rushed to University Medical Center, although police said that his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The driver of the SUV initially fled the scene, but was eventually captured by police and taken into custody.

The details of the auto-pedestrian accident were not mentioned in the news story; but based on the driver’s actions, there’s a strong possibility that the driver will be held responsible for the accident and the boy’s injuries. This means that if they choose to do so, the parents of the teenager could file a personal injury lawsuit on his behalf against the driver of the SUV. The suit could ask to reimburse the family for medical expenses and also request damages for pain and suffering or emotional anguish.

If you or someone in your family has been struck by a vehicle, contact a qualified auto-pedestrian accident attorney as soon as is practical after seeking medical attention.