Hit-and-run accident kills pedestrian in Southern California

A 57-year-old pedestrian was killed in a July 28 accident in front of an El Cajon casino, authorities reported. Law enforcement officials later made contact with the driver involved in the 12:35 a.m. incident; yet, it was not clear immediately following the event whether police filed any charges or issued any citations in connection with the accident.

Reportedly, the 57-year-old pedestrian was standing on the shoulder of Dehesa Road, near Willow Glen Drive, when a 1996 Chevy Suburban veered off the roadway and struck him. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver left the accident scene and continued driving.

Officials determined that the pedestrian died at the scene of the collision. CHP reportedly located the driver of the Suburban at his residence. According to police, the driver knew he hit something but was not aware that it had been a person. Police indicated that they do not suspect alcohol played a role in the fatal pedestrian accident.

Certain family members of victims in fatal accidents may wish to file a wrongful death claim if there is significant evidence indicating that the incident could have been avoided but for another party’s actionable behavior, such as recklessness or negligence. In the event that such a lawsuit prevails, the bereaved family members might be awarded restitution for funeral expenses, burial costs and other economic damages they suffered in relation to the fatal incident. Furthermore, claimants in a successful wrongful death lawsuit might also receive compensation for noneconomic damages, such as mental anguish and suffering. However, it is important for the families of deceased accident victims to remember that the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits in California is two years.

Source: Times of San Diego, “Driver Kills Pedestrian, Tells CHP He Didn’t Know He’d Hit a Person“, Jennifer Vigil, July 28, 2014