“It wouldn't have been worth an insurance claim.” The daughter of a hit-and-run accident victim speaks after the suspect's first appearance

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Joel Lang allegedly told investigators he fled the scene of a fatal accident because he didn’t have insurance, and now the victim’s daughter says she probably wouldn’t have filed an insurance claim.

On November 4, an accident was reported 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. Initially no suspects were arrested.

Later that week, Joel Lang turned himself in at a police station. According to court papers, he told investigators he was on the run because he had no insurance.

“The damage to my car was so minor that it wouldn’t have been worth an insurance claim,” said Britany Visage, Kerst’s daughter who was with her mother that day. “Sir. Lang was parked in the spot next to me. He received his food and sideswiped my car… He chose to ignore me and then hit my mother and ran her over.”

Lang’s first appearance in the case was Thursday. About ten of the victim’s relatives were present. Emotions were high as Lang was brought into the courtroom from prison.

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

Lang is charged with manslaughter and vehicular homicide, as well as failing to report the fatal crash. His next court date is December 9.

Visage said her mother was visiting from Georgia to celebrate Visage’s birthday when the accident happened. She says her mother was in town less than a day before she lost her life. Christmas leaves behind children and grandchildren.