EL CAJON, CA (July 28, 2022) – A 22-year-old man is under arrest today after police say he fatally struck a 20-year-old woman in an El Cajon hit-and-run collision and he was allegedly under the influence of drugs while driving.
Officers from the El Cajon Police Department responded at 8:49 p.m. Wednesday to the 600 block of North Second Street regarding a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Police found the victim in the roadway near the on-ramp to San Diego (8) Freeway from Second Street, said Lt. Darrin Forster of the El Cajon Police Department.
As the officers were arriving at the scene, the El Cajon Communications Center received a call from a citizen reporting a vehicle with damage stopped in the middle of the road at 1300 Naranca Ave. Officers responded to the location and found a silver 2006 Hyundai Sonata with a man in the driver’s seat. The Sonata had front end damage and a traffic signal light hanging from the vehicle.
After a preliminary investigation of the El Cajon hit-and-run and interviewing witnesses, police determined the Sonata was traveling northbound in the No. 3 lane of Second Street when it drove onto the sidewalk in front of the pedestrian, who was standing on the sidewalk near the crosswalk in front of 601 N. Second St., Forster said.
The victim was knocked into the roadway and the Sonata continued northbound, collided with a traffic signal light and a street sign and then turned east onto Naranca before coming to a stop in the middle of the road in front of 1300 Naranca Ave.
Police arrested the driver and he was booked into the San Diego County Jail on multiple charges.
Anyone with information regarding this collision was asked to call the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311.
[via City News Service]
Liability In El Cajon Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An El Cajon Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who was tragically killed in this collision. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Huntington Beach car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.