San Diego hit-and-run driver causes fatal injury to El Cajon resident.

California – December 26, 2022

A suspected DUI hit-and-run driver was arrested after causing a crash that claimed the life of a young El Cajon resident on Route 94. The 26-year-old was arrested less than two miles from the scene after the Chrysler vehicle he was driving pushed the victim’s car down a 30-foot embankment ejecting her from the vehicle and causing fatal injury at the scene. The man suspected of driving the Chrysler allegedly got off the freeway, where he hit three additional vehicles, including a white Ford Mustang convertible, a silver BMW and a black Honda Civic, tearing one of the rear wheels off that car. Police tracked down the suspect in a residential area near the Kelton Road exit. The California Highway Patrol said alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash. An experienced car accident attorney can be instrumental in damage recovery for an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver in California. Personal injury protection coverage of the injured man’s insurance policy may be accessed to pay for immediate expenses such as funeral and burial costs, until the driver that caused the accident is arrested and claims are made against that individual.

Deadly hit-and-run.

A hit and run driver that causes serious bodily injury to another may be charged with a misdemeanor, or a felony. If individuals are convicted of a misdemeanor violation under CVC 20001(b)(2), they may face a hit and run punishment of:

A minimum of 90 days and up to one year in jail,
A fine between $1,000 and $10,000 dollars, or
Both, imprisonment and a fine.

If individuals are convicted of a felony violation under CVC 20001(b)(2), they may face a hit and run punishment of:

Two, three or four years in prison
A fine between $1,000 and $10,000, or
Both, imprisonment and a fine.

Fault determination has bearing.

California is a “fault” state and victims can bring a claim against the responsible party before they file a claim against their own “no-fault” insurance. There is a two-year period to file a suit after an accident. A California car accident attorney can help victims of loss understand the mechanisms utilized for monetary recovery valuations. California law requires that drivers have a way to cover costs related to damages, or injuries they have caused in a car accident.

Recoverable damages.

If the personal injury litigation attorney is successful, a claim award will address the wrongful death losses that include survivor’s changes in life expenses, lost and future wages, and compensation for any future loss of companionship, comfort, and affection, as well as funeral and burial expenses.

Seek qualified legal counsel.

Victim of accidents caused by illegal actions should contact legal counsel immediately after a car crash involving a hit-and-run and suspected DUI charges that results in wrongful death loss. An experienced attorney who is familiar with hit-and-run laws in California can be reached at the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates.

Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation

501 West Broadway, Suite 1650

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-233-8021

Fax: 619-233-3730

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