COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Joel Lang reportedly told investigators he fled the scene of the fatal crash because he had no insurance, and now the victim’s daughter says she probably won’t file an insurance claim.

A hit-and-run crash was reported on Nov. 4 at the McDonald’s on Baptist Road in Monument. Investigators found the victim, 47-year-old Kristy Kerst, in the parking lot. Medical treatment was attempted, but Kerst died. No suspects were initially in custody.

Later that week, Joel Lang turned himself in at the police station. Court documents say he told investigators he ran away because he had no insurance.

“The damage to my car was so minor it wasn’t worth filing an insurance claim,” said Kerst’s daughter, Britany Visage, who was with her mother that day. “Mr. Lang was parked in the spot next to me. “He grabbed his food and swiped the side of my car… He chose to ignore me and then hit my mother and ran her over.”

Lang’s first hearing in this case took place on Thursday. Approximately 10 people from the victim’s family attended the event. Emotions were high as Lang was brought from prison to the courtroom.

“I wish he could see the same things I see when I close my eyes,” Visage said.

Lang is charged with second-degree murder and vehicular homicide, as well as failure to report a fatal crash. The next hearing date is December 9.

Visage said his mother was visiting from Georgia to celebrate Visage’s birthday when the crash happened. He says his mother was in the city for less than a day before she died. Kerst leaves behind her children and grandchildren.

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