The parents of a New Jersey teenager who was seriously hurt last month by a driver fleeing the scene have taken legal action against the Newark Board of Education.
As reported by the Lynch Law Firm, Chiara Jones, a student at Newark Arts High School, was seriously injured on February 4 when a car struck her as she was heading back to school after a cheerleading event.
More than a month later, Chiara is still in critical condition at University Medical Center, suffering from a severe head injury, multiple fractures, and tooth loss.
The legal firm, representing Jones and her parents, Tomeika and Stanley Jones, stated that the victim got off a school bus and was walking along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at around 10:15 p.m. when a driver named Mia’Jah Burton hit her.
The bus driver reportedly did not activate the red flashing lights or extend the stop arm, which led to Burton hitting the victim.
Burton left the scene, but was arrested by law enforcement on March 1. She is facing charges for leaving the scene of the accident, auto assault, hindering, making a false police report, and other related offenses.
“This is an absolutely senseless tragedy involving a young woman with a promising and successful future,” James Lynch, from Lynch Law Firm, stated in an email to CrimeOnline.
“It’s unfathomable that one minute, Chiara was beaming with pride alongside her teammates after winning a big cheerleading competition, to moments later entering the battle for her life.”
The family is seeking $150 million in damages for medical expenses, ongoing care costs, and the emotional distress experienced by the family.
Meanwhile, Burton is currently in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
The situation is still evolving. Stay tuned for updates.
[Feature Photo via Lynch Law Firm]