A 63-year-old woman suffered very serious injuries Tuesday evening when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lakeside. The January 5th accident occurred on Old Highway 80, east of Los Coches Road, at about 5:30 p.m. The woman, who was not identified, suffered broken legs and a severe head injury. The vehicle was described as a dark-colored Ford Expedition. Investigators would like to speak to witnesses who left the scene prior to the arrival of the California Highway Patrol, or anyone else with information. If you have any information related to thi accident, contact the El Cajon CHP at (619)401-2000. The CHP urges the driver to turn himself or herself in.
Hit-and-run is a very serious crime in the state of California. Leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is against the law, and there are no exceptions. According to Section 20002 of the California Vehicle code, [a] driver must stop and locate owner or person in charge and exchange driver documentation. If owner of damaged property cannot be located, the driver is not permitted to leave the scene of the accident until the following actions have been completed:a) Leave a note with facts surrounding the case and driver documentation information; or b) Report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police."
In cases where a hit and run pedestrian accident results in serious bodily injury or death, the hit-and-run driver is usually charged with a felony. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident." Furthermore, the victim may also file a civil claim for personal injuries. For more information about personal injury claims, contact the San Diego pedestrian injury attorneys at Estey & Bomberger or another reputable law firm.
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