A crash in West Palm Beach has left three people injured, including a pedestrian who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The car accident happened as a Ford Explorer was exiting Interstate 95 onto 45th Street, according to the Palm Beach Post. The vehicle, driven by a man in his early 30s, apparently drove onto the median on 45th street, struck a panhandler and then flipped over onto its side.

Another pedestrian who was standing next to the injured panhandler managed to jump out of the way in time and was not injured. The injured pedestrian was taken to St. Mary's, where he was listed in serious condition.

The driver of the Explorer, who sustained minor injuries, apparently got out of the SUV and attempted to flee on foot. He and his passenger, who also suffered minor injuries, were taken to St. Mary's as well.

The road was closed for about an hour as West Palm Beach Fire Rescue crews and Florida Highway Patrol troopers worked at the scene.

Police say the driver will likely face charges, including hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident. A spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol also says that blood samples were taken to determine whether alcohol was a factor in the crash. If it was, he will likely face DUI charges as well.

In any case, attempting to flee an accident of this sort without checking to see if those involved were hurt is downright irresponsible. It's lucky that more people were not more seriously injured.

Source: Palm Beach Post, "3 people taken to hospital after accident near 45th Street exit ramp off I-95," Alexandra Seltzer, Jan. 17, 2012