Escondido, CA (December 20, 2023) A MCAS Miramar-based Marine, identified as John Eugene Brand, 21, was arrested on Monday, December 18th, after leading officers on a high-speed chase and crashing his pickup truck. One of the passengers was killed in the collision, the Escondido Police Department said.
It all started just before 10:30 p.m. when officers received a call about a man and two women stealing merchandise from Dick’s Sporting Goods store on Auto Park Way. Officers arrived at the store only to witness the man and two women get into a pickup truck and drive away. Officers began pursuing the pickup truck at this point.
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The Escondido Police Department reported that they followed the pickup truck through Escondido, onto Washington Avenue. That’s when the driver of the pickup, identified as John Eugene Brand, tried to make a turn onto Fig Street at a high speed. He lost control of the pickup and crashed into the retaining wall, officers said. Both female passengers were thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Brand, however, jumped out of the pickup and began fleeing on foot.
Officers called for paramedics who arrived to find both women with severe injuries. They were both rushed to a local hospital where, sadly, one of them died. The other woman underwent emergency surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. She told police officers that she asked Brand to pull over and let her out several times, but he refused.
Police officers found Brand hiding about a block away from where the crash happened. He was arrested and faces several charges, including:
–Kidnapping
–Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence
–Evading police with wanton disregard for safety
–Evading police causing serious injury or death
–Evading a police officer
–Hit-and-run resulting in death or injury
–Burglary
–Conspiracy
Liability In Escondido 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 A Car Accident In Escondido
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this accident. 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 an Escondido car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers 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 (866) 945-4286.
