A Gwinnett teenager was tragically killed by a hit and run driver while riding his bicycle last night on Buford Highway. Jacob Paoleta, of Lawrenceville died at the scene, while his friend and fellow bicycle rider, Walter Lester, was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center for his injuries. According to the Gwinnett Police Department, officers later found the responsible hit and run vehicle abandoned in a nearby subdivision. As of the time of this post, the officers were still trying to locate the responsible driver.
Once the responsible party is found, a wrongful death action may be appropriate for his wanton and seemingly willful actions. The proceeds from such a suit will never come close to fully compensating Mr. Palleta’s family but it could help them in the days ahead and through the healing process.
Aside from the criminal aspects this driver will soon be facing, a wrongful death suit could help deter such deplorable actions in the future.
A partner with Childers, Schlueter & Smith, LLC,, Brandon Smith has devoted his practice to pharmaceutical litigation, mass torts, products liability and serious personal injury. A frequent guest speaker at legal seminars all over the country—Brandon is focused on helping injured victims nationwide, however possible. Named a SuperLawyer again in 2019, he has also been called out as one of 10 Best Attorneys For Georgia by the American Institute Of Personal Injury Attorneys and a Top 100 Lawyer in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers in 2019.
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