(El Cajon, CA) A Chase Avenue hit and run crash at an intersection resulted in the death of Jim Frazee, 50, in El Cajon.
On Monday, August 18, at 1 a.m., the Chase Avenue hit and run occurred. According to Lt. Joe Crawford of the El Cajon Police Department, it happened near the intersection of Chase and Avocado avenues.
When officers investigated, they learned a white GMC SUV drove on Chase Avenue. All of a sudden, the driver crashed into a fire hydrant and power pole. As a result, the damaged fire hydrant sent water into the water and the power pole had been sheared, Crawford said. At the same time, the driver struck Jim Frazee, who pushed a shopping cart.
By the time police arrived at the Chase Avenue hit and run collision site, they pronounced Jim Frazee dead. Shortly after, officers identified the vehicle, locating it in the 500 block of Sandalwood Drive. They found the vehicle unoccupied with deployed airbags and damage consistent with the initial crash. Officers managed to contact the motorist at a nearby residence, who displayed signs of intoxication. Police arrested the driver without incident.
Legal Opinion of the Chase Avenue Hit and Run
Crashing into a pedestrian and fleeing the scene violates serious California laws. Leaving after causing a deadly crash breaks California Vehicle Code 20001, which makes it a felony to leave an accident where someone dies or suffers injury. VEH 20001 requires the driver to stop immediately and provide help, including calling emergency services. Running from the scene shows disregard for life and can lead to prison time.
The driver of the Chase Avenue hit and run also hit a fire hydrant and power pole, likely while losing control of the vehicle. That points to a possible violation of VEH 23152, which covers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When police arrested the driver and noted signs of intoxication, they followed up correctly. DUI in a deadly crash can also lead to California Penal Code 191.5, which covers vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This law treats such behavior as gross negligence when someone dies.
Pedestrians have the right of way in most situations. According to VEH 21950, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care near them. Even if the pedestrian wasn’t in a crosswalk, the driver still had a duty to avoid hitting them.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Jim Frazee can take legal action. Under California’s wrongful death law (Code of Civil Procedure 377.60), close relatives can sue the driver. The lawsuit can include funeral costs, loss of love and companionship, and emotional suffering. If the pedestrian supported anyone financially, the family may also claim for that lost support.
The family should speak with a wrongful death attorney right away. The attorney can request police reports, body cam footage, and crash data. These pieces of evidence will help show the driver’s fault, especially in a hit-and-run DUI case. Time matters, the sooner the attorney steps in, the better the chance of a strong case.
Also, since DUI and fleeing the scene involve gross negligence, the family may seek punitive damages. That means extra money meant to punish the driver and warn others not to act the same way. Most importantly, taking legal steps gives the family some control in a painful, unfair situation.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
