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Sonia Sovereign charged with hit-and-run killing of Valeriy Saakyan in Griffith Park

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 12, 2022) – Sonia Sovereign, who allegedly killed 70-year-old Valeriy Saakyan by running him over with his own car in a Griffith Park parking lot and then fled the scene, was charged today with murder and other counts.

Sonia Sovereign, 31, is set to be arraigned Nov. 9 in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on one count each of murder, hit-and-run resulting in death and driving or taking a vehicle without consent, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The crash was reported as an assault with a deadly weapon at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the 2400 block of Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles Police Officer J. Chaves told City News Service.

“A dispute occurred prior to the accident happening,” LAPD Detective Daniel Ramirez told ABC7.

Valeriy Saakyan lost his footing and fell to the ground and was intentionally run over by his own light blue 2006 Lexus in the parking lot at the park’s Western Canyon Road, according to a police department statement.

Paramedics took Saakyan to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officers from the LAPD’s Hollywood Station were on patrol around 10 a.m. Sunday in the area of Lexington Avenue and Vine Street when they saw a vehicle with collision damage and a blue tarp over it, then discovered it was wanted in a felony hit-and-run, police said.

Sovereign was detained after she was seen getting out of the vehicle, and allegedly confessed to the crime during an interview with Ramirez, police said.

She remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, according to jail records.

Liability In Valeriy Saakyan’s Griffith Park 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 Sonia Sovereign’s Griffith Park Hit-And-Run

We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Valeriy Saakyan. 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 Griffith Park 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.


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