People in the San Diego area may have heard about a horrible hit-and-run accident that left a 27-year-old woman dead, and her friends and family struggling to cope with their loss. The accident occurred on a Friday night, when the woman and her friend were out for a stroll. As the two crossed the intersection of Coast Boulevard and Camino Del Mar, an allegedly drunk driver ran the stop sign, plowing over the defenseless woman in the middle of the street before taking off.
The victim was rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, but was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police meanwhile tried to put the pieces together to track down the hit-and-run driver, and fortunately were able to locate the man at a nearby apartment complex by tracking the vehicle registration. The 41-year-old man was arrested, and now faces serious criminal charges including vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI and felony hit-and-run.
Leaving the scene of a car accident where a person is injured or killed is a terrible act that shows no compassion for the victim. The man will likely face serious prison time if he is convicted of these crimes, but nothing will bring back the victim, who was a valedictorian and a great athlete for her high school. News of her death hit hard for those friends and teachers who remembered her, and were saddened by the loss of this talented and driven young woman.
The family of the woman may want to consult with a personal injury attorney about holding this man financially accountable for his actions. By filing a civil wrongful death suit, the family may be able to recover financial compensation for their loss and the expenses associated with it.
Source: Lowell Sun “NDA 2005 valedictorian killed in hit-and-run accident in San Diego,” Peter McQuaid, March 31, 2014
