A pedestrian who attempted to help motorists involved in a multi-car collision on state Route 78 was struck and seriously injured by a driver, who fled the scene. According to a U-T San Diego news article, the major injury crash occurred the night of October 15, 2012. California Highway Patrol officials say the 20-year-old female pedestrian may have entered the freeway from a street that runs parallel to Route 78. She had just checked on a woman whose Nissan Altima had crashed while trying to avoid a mattress on the freeway.
A Toyota pickup driven by a 30-year-old Encinitas man then hit the mattress and struck the Nissan. In addition, three other vehicles collided as they attempted to avoid the initial accident. The driver of the Nissan suffered moderate injuries and one other person suffered minor injuries. The car that struck the good Samaritan did not stop. Anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver or vehicle is asked to call CHP officials at 858-637-3800.
My heart goes out to all the victims of this crash, especially the woman who stopped to help the injured, but was struck and seriously hurt herself. I wish her and the other victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news account, it appears that the initial crash was caused by debris – a mattress – on the roadway. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping debris on the highway. California Vehicle Code Section 23112 (a) states: “No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind.”
In this case, the good Samaritan was hit and injured by a driver who left the scene of the crash. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is not only an immoral and irresponsible act, but it is also illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). Motorists are required to stop immediately at the scene, wait until authorities arrive, exchange information with the other parties and most importantly, obtain assistance for the injured parties. This driver did none of the above, choosing instead to drive away from the scene. Appalling!
Justice for Injured Victims
I trust officials will be able to promptly apprehend this driver and bring him or her to justice. If you have any information about this incident, please visit our hit-and-run web site at www.hitandrunreward.com to offer an anonymous tip and also become eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Injured victims in cases involving roadway debris and hit-and-run drivers would be well advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. In addition, a knowledgeable car accident attorney will advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run or a roadway debris case.
SLS Consulting