Latest news with #teeninjury
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Ottawa mom warns others after teen daughter dragged by Uber and injured
An Ottawa mother says she's frustrated with Uber and disappointed with local police after her daughter was dragged along a street by an Uber vehicle and injured. Liliane, whose last name CBC is withholding to protect the identity of her teenager because she's worried about stigma at school, says nearly three months after the incident, she's seen no consequences for the driver, nor any accountability from either the company or police — until CBC News started asking questions. "People need to know that Uber and companies like this are operating with impunity in our communities," said Lilliane, who has been accessing accident benefits through her own car insurance company. Uber refunded the $10.46 fare, but hadn't offered any compensation or statements to the family, she said. "That really doesn't seem right to me. Not even an apology," she said. "They are nearly impossible to reach." Liliane says her daughter took an Uber to school on the morning of April 9, and as she was getting out of the car her jacket sleeve got caught in the door. The driver, seemingly unaware, drove off, dragging the girl on her bare left hip until passersby flagged the driver to stop. "She was in shock. Her pants had been pulled down," said Liliane. "I think the backpack saved her life. I think it kept her head up." Liliane showed CBC photos of her daughter's injuries, but didn't want them shown publicly because they show private areas of her daughter's body. The largest visible injury was a reddish-brown skin abrasion on her daughter's hip that covered most of her left backside. Liliane said her family doctor removed pebbles and other debris that had become embedded in the teen's skin. The incident also left several scratches down her legs. Liliane said her daughter's knees and shoulders were also injured, and said the teen is still receiving physiotherapy. Feeling 'abandoned' by police Liliane says Ottawa police initially informed her family that they may lay charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. She says they told her the driver hadn't reported the incident to authorities, nor exchanged information with her daughter after the incident. But after following up several times, Liliane said she felt "abandoned and ignored by the police." In an emil, Ottawa police told CBC officers had investigated and "the results were shared with the involved individuals." Police confirmed to CBC that they hadn't laid charges but couldn't share their rationale, citing privacy. Liliane said the only "results" she got were a few text messages from police that she shared with CBC. In them, police suggested the driver was "remorseful" and said they wouldn't pursue charges. "What a terrible example to set for a child," said Liliane, tearing up. "Nothing. No consequences. She's the only one with consequences." In a statement, the police spokesperson said individuals dissatisfied with outcomes of investigations can contact the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, an oversight body — which Liliane plans to do. Driver no longer with Uber Getting in touch with Uber and its insurance partner also proved difficult for the family. Liliane said the companies tried to "blow [her] off" by citing privacy, even though she was calling on behalf of her own child. When CBC News contacted Uber about the incident, a spokesperson said the company has now "banned the driver's access to the platform." Liliane was surprised to learn this, and said Uber had only told her the driver wouldn't be matched with her daughter anymore. "I had not been informed of this by Uber or anyone. The first I hear of it is from [CBC]," she said. In a statement, Uber added safety remains its "top priority." "We recognize how scary this situation must have been for the rider and their family, and we're glad to hear the rider is on the mend," wrote the Uber spokesperson. Liliane feels the company still hasn't taken responsibility for what happened, and says their response isn't enough. "When something goes bad, how do they respond? Stonewall. Delay. Diffuse. Drag it out," she said. Apologies 'few and far between': lawyer Personal injury lawyer Teresa Park says apologies from companies like Uber are "very few and far between" because they can be perceived as an admission of fault. "You'll see a lot of rideshare companies either being completely radio silent, or giving you a runaround," said Park, who's with Iacobelli Law Firm. When passengers download the app they agree to certain terms and conditions, and Park says those may hinder litigation, depending on the jurisdiction and facts in each case. But Park says successful cases against negligent drivers or companies are still possible through civil court. Park recommends anyone who's injured in such an incident take screenshots and photos, get assessed medically, and report it to police in a timely manner. "Essentially, be a detective for yourself," Park advised. If possible, she suggests people retain a lawyer who may send a letter to Uber to preserve evidence such as dashcam footage or any communication between the company and driver — before it gets deleted. "That might be the smoking gun, if you will, in proving that the driver was negligent," Park said. She warns in some cases, insurance companies may offer lump sums when victims may be entitled to more. She recommends getting legal advice prior to signing anything.
CBC
07-07-2025
- CBC
Ottawa mom warns others after teen daughter dragged by Uber and injured
An Ottawa mother says she's frustrated with Uber and disappointed with local police after her daughter was dragged along a street by an Uber vehicle and injured. Liliane, whose last name CBC is withholding to protect the identity of her teenager because she's worried about stigma at school, says nearly three months after the incident, she's seen no consequences for the driver, nor any accountability from either the company or police — until CBC News started asking questions. "People need to know that Uber and companies like this are operating with impunity in our communities," said Lilliane, who has been accessing accident benefits through her own car insurance company. Uber refunded the $10.46 fare, but hadn't offered any compensation or statements to the family, she said. "That really doesn't seem right to me. Not even an apology," she said. "They are nearly impossible to reach." Liliane says her daughter took an Uber to school on the morning of April 9, and as she was getting out of the car her jacket sleeve got caught in the door. The driver, seemingly unaware, drove off, dragging the girl on her bare left hip until passersby flagged the driver to stop. "She was in shock. Her pants had been pulled down," said Liliane. "I think the backpack saved her life. I think it kept her head up." Liliane showed CBC photos of her daughter's injuries, but didn't want them shown publicly because they show private areas of her daughter's body. The largest visible injury was a reddish-brown skin abrasion on her daughter's hip that covered most of her left backside. Liliane said her family doctor removed pebbles and other debris that had become embedded in the teen's skin. The incident also left several scratches down her legs. Liliane said her daughter's knees and shoulders were also injured, and said the teen is still receiving physiotherapy. Feeling 'abandoned' by police Liliane says Ottawa police initially informed her family that they may lay charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. She says they told her the driver hadn't reported the incident to authorities, nor exchanged information with her daughter after the incident. But after following up several times, Liliane said she felt "abandoned and ignored by the police." In an emil, Ottawa police told CBC officers had investigated and "the results were shared with the involved individuals." Police confirmed to CBC that they hadn't laid charges but couldn't share their rationale, citing privacy. Liliane said the only "results" she got were a few text messages from police that she shared with CBC. In them, police suggested the driver was "remorseful" and said they wouldn't pursue charges. "What a terrible example to set for a child," said Liliane, tearing up. "Nothing. No consequences. She's the only one with consequences." In a statement, the police spokesperson said individuals dissatisfied with outcomes of investigations can contact the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, an oversight body — which Liliane plans to do. Driver no longer with Uber Getting in touch with Uber and its insurance partner also proved difficult for the family. Liliane said the companies tried to "blow [her] off" by citing privacy, even though she was calling on behalf of her own child. When CBC News contacted Uber about the incident, a spokesperson said the company has now "banned the driver's access to the platform." Liliane was surprised to learn this, and said Uber had only told her the driver wouldn't be matched with her daughter anymore. "I had not been informed of this by Uber or anyone. The first I hear of it is from [CBC]," she said. In a statement, Uber added safety remains its "top priority." "We recognize how scary this situation must have been for the rider and their family, and we're glad to hear the rider is on the mend," wrote the Uber spokesperson. Liliane feels the company still hasn't taken responsibility for what happened, and says their response isn't enough. "When something goes bad, how do they respond? Stonewall. Delay. Diffuse. Drag it out," she said. Apologies 'few and far between': lawyer Personal injury lawyer Teresa Park says apologies from companies like Uber are "very few and far between" because they can be perceived as an admission of fault. "You'll see a lot of rideshare companies either being completely radio silent, or giving you a runaround," said Park, who's with Iacobelli Law Firm. When passengers download the app they agree to certain terms and conditions, and Park says those may hinder litigation, depending on the jurisdiction and facts in each case. But Park says successful cases against negligent drivers or companies are still possible through civil court. Park recommends anyone who's injured in such an incident take screenshots and photos, get assessed medically, and report it to police in a timely manner. "Essentially, be a detective for yourself," Park advised. If possible, she suggests people retain a lawyer who may send a letter to Uber to preserve evidence such as dashcam footage or any communication between the company and driver — before it gets deleted. "That might be the smoking gun, if you will, in proving that the driver was negligent," Park said. She warns in some cases, insurance companies may offer lump sums when victims may be entitled to more. She recommends getting legal advice prior to signing anything.
CBS News
05-06-2025
- CBS News
Denver teen remains hospitalized following crash involving Aurora police pursuit
A 16-year-old boy from Denver is still in the hospital, nearly five days after the driver of a stolen truck crashed into a car with four teens inside. It happened last Saturday evening as Aurora police officers were chasing the stolen truck. That pursuit moved into Denver before ending in Glendale, where the truck collided almost head-on with a teen's car near South Cherry Street and Leetsdale Drive. "The truck made an impact where my son was sitting," said Ingrid Shea, mother of Kaelen, who remains hospitalized at Denver Health. Kaelen Shea Ingrid Shea Shea explained that her son was sitting in the back passenger seat when the collision happened. Kaelen and his friends had just finished a day-long ultimate frisbee tournament and were on their way to a community pool. Holding back tears, Shea described her son's injuries. "My son came into the ER with multiple brain bleeds, a broken jaw, and his sinus bones are fractured," she said. Since he was admitted, Kaelen's parents have barely left his hospital bedside. Along with fear for her son's well-being, Shea is questioning Aurora's pursuit policy, which was updated earlier this year to include stolen vehicles and DUI drivers. "I don't understand how a 12-minute police chase gets to happen in a populated area for a non-violent crime," Shea said. "That's what's not okay. It's not okay for my family, my child, and it shouldn't be okay for anybody else's." Aurora police shared a statement about the pursuit-turned-crash with CBS Colorado, which reads in part: "We know from experience that suspects who drive stolen vehicles are often involved in other criminal activity. If not apprehended, they continue to pose a serious threat to public safety. That's why our officers work every day to stop further victimization and prevent additional harm." Ingrid Shea CBS "I understand all of that," Shea said, "I'm obviously dealing with the ramifications of it." Still, Kaelen's mother believes something else could've been done to stop the driver of the stolen truck, who could've easily killed her son. "There could've been four funerals that we were planning Sunday morning," she said, adding the other three teens have minor injuries, but it's still not clear when her child will leave the ICU. "I can't speak to all [Aurora Police] policies, but I think they need to be examined." As for the driver of the reported stolen truck, 26-year-old Michael Freyta has a lengthy criminal history. He has previously been arrested on charges for motor vehicle theft, ID theft, fraud as well as forgery. Freyta allegedly failed to maintain his status on the sex offender registry for Adams County, too, according to Aurora Police. Michael Guadalupe Freyta Aurora Police Department "This incident was caused by a criminal suspect, Michael Freyta, who was driving a confirmed stolen vehicle and chose not to stop when officers attempted to contact him. His decision to flee, instead of pulling over for our officer, led to this crash," said APD. "The Aurora Police Department remains committed to holding criminals accountable," they continued. "When individuals like Michael Freyta repeatedly choose to break the law, our responsibility is to act decisively to protect our community from further violence and danger." The Shea Family has set up a fundraiser to help with their son's medical bills, which will continue to add up as he will likely have future rehab for his traumatic brain injury.
CBS News
04-06-2025
- CBS News
North Texas teen critically injured while playing "Senior Assassin" game dies
Criminal charges won't be filed after "Senior Assassin" game left teen on life support, police say Criminal charges won't be filed after "Senior Assassin" game left teen on life support, police say Criminal charges won't be filed after "Senior Assassin" game left teen on life support, police say The North Texas teen who was critically injured while playing a viral game has died, according to a family member. Isaac Leal, 17, had been on life support at an Arlington hospital for over a month and a half after falling off the back of a vehicle while playing "Senior Assassin." The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's report states he died from "blunt force injury" to his head on Monday morning. The Arlington Police Department said Leal was riding on the back of a Jeep Wrangler through a residential neighborhood during the game on April 21. Shortly after the Jeep made a turn, Leal fell off the vehicle and was injured. The driver of the Jeep reportedly called 911, and when EMS arrived, Leal was unconscious. The teen was transported to the hospital, where he was placed on life support. A video of the incident shows the teen and the students showing the before and after of the fall. APD said after an investigation, there was no evidence to support claims that the driver of the Jeep was driving recklessly at the time or intentionally was trying to hurt Leal. No charges will be filed in the case. Leal's family was hopeful for a recovery In May 2025, CBS News Texas spoke with Lael's family as he remained on life support. They said he showed signs of responsiveness. "Our kid is a fighter," his father, Jose Leal, said. He shared that his son moved his legs on command. "We see certain characteristics, like a smile or we see tears coming down his eyes," he said. "You know, those are the things that we're looking at. That gives us hope." Baseball team honors Leal's memory Leal was a pitcher for the 2025 South Grand Prairie Baseball team, which shared a photo of Leal along with a message on social media Monday. "We are heartbroken," the post said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and teammates. #7Strong | "
CBS News
03-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Santa Rosa Police investigating late-night crash that injured teen
Santa Rosa Police said they are investigating a crash that injured a teen on Saturday night. The crash happened around 10:20 p.m. at the intersection of College Avenue and Beaver Street. Police said they received several 911 calls about the crash, and one of the calls was from the driver who told them the teen was still lying in the roadway. First responders found the unconscious teen on the westbound lanes of College Avenue. He was taken to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries and was later taken to a different Bay Area trauma center. The driver, whose identity police said they will not yet be releasing, stayed at the scene and cooperated. Police said she told officers that she was driving westbound on College Avenue and that she hit the teen when she got near the Beaver Street Intersection. She told officers that he had entered the roadway from the north side of College Avenue, police said. Neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to be a factor in the crash, according to police. Investigators are looking for surveillance video in the area and are trying to find out if the 14-year-old was in the crosswalk at the time of the crash. Police said the teen may have been with someone else at the time of the crash and was possibly riding a skateboard.
