(Santee, CA) One person sustained injuries in a Prospect Avenue hit-and-run that involved multiple collisions with a green SUV in Santee.
On Tuesday, September 9, at 6:02 p.m., the Prospect Avenue hit-and-run occurred. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, it happened near the intersection of Prospect and North Magnolia Avenue.
Upon investigating, deputies learned the Prospect Avenue hit-and-run involved a green SUV that had already struck several vehicles in El Cajon. Around 6:38 p.m., callers reported the same SUV driving the wrong way through Santee. An off-duty sheriff’s sergeant spotted the SUV traveling south on Timberlane Way. While deputies dispatched to the suspect vehicle, it then struck two more vehicles at Mast Boulevard and Bilteer Drive, injuring one driver. Authorities have not released the condition of the injured driver.
After the collisions, the SUV veered off the roadway and slammed into a San Diego Gas & Electric power box. When deputies arrived, they arrested the 34-year-old driver, who showed signs of intoxication. Paramedics transported him to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released his identity.
Hit and runs are a serious and delicate situation. The state of California takes these cases very seriously. It’s important for all drivers to know what to do in a hit and run.
Legal Opinion on the Prospect Avenue Hit-and-Run
The Prospect Avenue hit-and-run highlights multiple serious violations of California traffic law. The most direct violation is California Vehicle Code 20001. This law makes it a felony to flee the scene of a crash that causes injury. Drivers must stop, provide assistance, and notify authorities. By leaving multiple crash sites, this suspect faces felony charges with prison time. Since witnesses described the suspect as driving the wrong way, California Vehicle Code 21651 may also apply. This law prohibits driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. Wrong-way driving creates extreme danger and often leads to head-on crashes.
Authorities also believe intoxication played a role. That invokes California Vehicle Code 23152, which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A DUI that causes injury or death can elevate penalties and result in long-term license suspension, fines, and imprisonment. Additionally, reckless multiple collisions suggest a violation of California Vehicle Code 23103, which defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of people or property. Combining reckless driving with DUI can strengthen criminal charges.
What the Victim Can Do
The injured driver from the Prospect Avenue hit-and-run has strong grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against the suspect. This claim can help cover hospital bills, ongoing medical treatment, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. If the suspect faces felony DUI or reckless driving charges, the criminal case will proceed separately from any civil claim. However, the victim can use the findings from the criminal case to support their civil lawsuit.
An experienced attorney can request the collision reports from both Santee and El Cajon, gather surveillance footage, and speak with witnesses. Because the SUV struck multiple vehicles, several victims may join together in claims for damages. While the criminal process will punish the driver, civil action can ensure the injured person receives financial recovery for medical care and personal losses. Taking swift legal action will give the victim the best chance at justice.
We at Accident News Now offer our encouragement and support. We know this is a confusing time as you deal with the uncertainties resulting from this terrible incident. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
