Virginia Beach family seeks clarity after hit-and-run collision [VIRGINIA BEACH, VA]

Last Saturday evening, Paul Smith, 47, was cycling home from an Oceanfront concert when a vehicle struck him at the intersection of Croatan Road and General Booth Boulevard. Although the driver briefly got out and moved Paul’s body from the roadway to the sidewalk, witnesses say the motorist then climbed back into a tan- or white-colored car and sped off without rendering aid. The abrupt departure has left Smith’s family desperate for answers and the tight-knit Croatan neighborhood in shock.

“We’re all stunned that someone could hit a man riding his bike and not stay to help,” said Croatan Civic League President Michael Kelly. Residents recall frequent speeding through this intersection, and many have long pushed for traffic calming measures to prevent tragedies. Nearby neighbor Lindsay Young, whose own son was once struck by a vehicle at the same corner, added, “We live just across the street. It’s been a problem for years, and now Paul has suffered serious injuries because nobody slowed down.”

Emergency crews arrived on scene within minutes, transporting Smith to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He remains hospitalized with a concussion, multiple broken ribs, and a surgically repaired collarbone. While Smith makes gradual progress under his medical team’s care, his family faces mounting hospital bills and the uncertainty of when—or if—his life will return to normal.

When a victim endures life-altering injuries in a hit-and-run, the types of compensation at stake can include coverage for medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as potential punitive damages aimed at deterring reckless conduct.

At Briet Law Attorneys, we leverage our experience in personal injury and hit-and-run cases to guide families through every step of the claims process. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, working closely with law enforcement to uncover identifying evidence, consulting accident reconstruction specialists, and subpoenaing any available traffic camera footage. We then negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure fair settlements—and, when necessary, pursue litigation to ensure our clients’ rights are fully protected. We understand no amount of money can erase the trauma, but our commitment is to secure the resources families need for recovery and peace of mind.

Virginia Beach Police continue to investigate the collision and urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Residents who may have video recordings from home security systems or dashcams are asked to contact the department’s Traffic Division. As a community, we must look out for one another; stopping to help in emergencies is both a legal duty and a moral imperative.

It’s important to have experienced lawyers on your side when you lose a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance.

SOURCE: WAVY