RIVERSIDE, CA (August 17, 2022) – Kaylynn Marie Heatley, a 21-year-old woman who allegedly intentionally rammed a vehicle with her SUV on the 91 Freeway and caused two other cars to crash, severely injuring one of the drivers, was released from jail today after posting a $40,000 bond.
Kaylynn Marie Heatley of Yorba Linda was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside Monday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run with injuries and reckless driving resulting in great bodily injury.
Heatley secured bail Tuesday morning and was let out of the downtown jail.
According to the California Highway Patrol, shortly after 7 a.m. Friday, the suspect was involved in an unspecified dispute with the driver of a Tesla on the eastbound 91, near McKinley Street, in Corona.
Officer Javier Navarro alleged that Heatley rammed the sports car with her Jeep Wrangler, causing “two vehicles to leave the roadway as a result of the intentional ramming.”
The driver of the Tesla, as well as the individuals driving the other two cars, suffered major injuries. Navarro said one of the motorists who was run off of the freeway when the Tesla was hit had injuries that required “amputation of one of his limbs.”
The victims are recovering.
According to Navarro, CHP investigators were able to procure the license plate number on the Jeep, culminating in the identification of Heatley as the suspect.
She was summoned for an interview at the CHP Riverside office, resulting in her arrest Monday afternoon.
Liability In a Riverside Hit-and-Run
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 Riverside Hit-and-Run
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to those were injured by the callous actions of Kaylynn Marie Heatley. 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.