LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA (July 27, 2022) – Phillip Dale Roebuck, 51, is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow on a hit-and-run collision that has left a woman battling for her life in a hospital, authorities said today.
Roebuck, who was arrested Tuesday in Newport Beach, was being held on $350,000 bail, according to jail records. Roebuck, who is charged with a felony count of hit and run with permanent and serious injury, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana.
The 26-year-old woman injured in the July 9 collision remained hospitalized Wednesday and was in critical condition, said Sgt. Scott Steinle of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday regarding the collision at Crown Valley Parkway and Golden Lantern in Laguna Niguel. The victim, who was jaywalking, was struck by a vehicle speeding west on Crown Valley, Steinle said.
The driver never stopped, and investigators later determined the victim was struck by a dark-colored 2014-18 Subaru, Steinle said. With help from surveillance video, investigators narrowed it down to a Subaru Forester and attempted to contact the owner, but Roebuck had fled to a secondary residence in Henderson, Nevada, Steinle alleged.
Investigators located the vehicle involved in the collision in Nevada and arrested Roebuck when he returned to Orange County, Steinle said.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Laguna Niguel 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 Phillip Dale Roebuck’s hit-and-run
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to the woman fighting for her life in this case. 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, and so that Phillip Dale Roebuck is brought to justice.
Do you need more information about a Laguna Niguel 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.