Sheriff's Deputies are looking for the driver of a white Toyota Camry who struck and killed a 15-year-old Vista boy Friday night. The boy was taken by ambulance to Palomar Medical Center with critical head injuries, where he died. The incident occurred on Thibodo Road, east of Edna Way at about 7 p.m. Friday. The victim, identified by the San Diego County medical examiner as Lucas Giaconelli of Vista, was skateboarding with friends when he was hit from behind by the speeding Toyota Camry.
Please keep the family of Lucas Giaconelli in your prayers, as they are coping with this terrible tragedy resulting in the loss of this young man's life. For the family's sake, we hope the driver is located or that he or she will turn himself or herself in to authorities. Witnesses or anyone with information about this accident is asked to contact sheriff's deputies at (858)565-5200. If you live in the Vista area, be on the lookout for the vehicle. The Camry has tinted windows and likely has a broken headlight and front-end damage.
Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is against the law. Under California Vehicle Code ยง 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident..." In this case, because the victim was in fact injured, the driver had a responsibility to stop.
While this accident is still under investigation, the family of Lucas Giaconelli would likely benefit from consulting with an experienced San Diego wrongful death attorney. An experienced lawyer can explain the family's legal rights to compensation from the party at fault for this accident, or how the family's own auto insurance policy may apply if the driver is not located.
Sources: 760KFMB, California Vehicle Code, SignonSanDiego.com
Leave a comment