Driver sentenced for accident that killed man on sidewalk

On Oct. 27, 2013, a 20-year-old male pedestrian was struck and killed by a sport-utility vehicle in Spring Valley, California. The driver left the scene and later bought beer. On Sept. 10, that driver, a 34-year-old man, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in El Cajon Superior Court. The period of incarceration was lengthened as a result of his history of felony offenses, which include possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary and attempted robbery.

The fatal accident occurred on Campo Road near Cordoba Street as the victim was on the sidewalk and walking home from his shift at a fast food restaurant. The driver was in his grandfather’s sport-utility vehicle. According to the deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case, video surveillance of the crash revealed that the victim saw the vehicle approaching and attempted to run, but he was unable to get out of the SUV’s path.

The sadness and emotional shock felt upon learning of a loved one’s death can be accompanied by financial uncertainty. An accident victim’s family members may face the loss of that person’s income, which could compound their grief.

The immediate family members of a fatal accident victim whose death may have been caused by the negligent actions of someone else can pursue compensation via civil litigation. Damages awarded to plaintiffs of wrongful death lawsuits could be tied to medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death, burial and funeral costs and the loss of that person’s future earnings. Survivors of an individual killed in an auto-pedestrian accident may wish to consult a personal injury attorney.

Source: UT San Diego, “DUI driver kills pedestrian, then buys beer“, Kristina Davis, September 10, 2014