(San Diego, CA) A Morena Boulevard accident resulted in the death of Stacy Denton, 71, after a hit-and-run driver struck her in Bay Park.
On Friday, September 5, at 4:20 a.m., the San Diego Police Department received reports of the Morena Boulevard accident. According to SDPD, it happened in the 3000 block of Morena Boulevard while the victim pushed a shopping cart in the No. 2 northbound lane.
Authorities said an unknown vehicle struck Stacy Denton and then fled the scene. A passerby later spotted the woman lying in the roadway and called for help. Paramedics arrived and found Denton unconscious with severe injuries, including open fractures to both legs. They transported her to a nearby hospital, but doctors pronounced Denton dead. Investigators confirmed that no witnesses saw the collision, and no description of the suspect vehicle is available. Police continue searching for the driver responsible for the Morena Boulevard accident.
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 Morena Boulevard Accident
The Morena Boulevard accident highlights one of the most serious violations under California law: leaving the scene of a fatal crash. California Vehicle Code 20001 makes it a felony for a driver to flee after a collision that causes injury or death. The law requires drivers to stop, provide aid, and notify authorities. Here, the driver left the Stacy Denton without assistance. That failure creates severe criminal and civil liability. Beyond fleeing, investigators will also consider California Vehicle Code 21956. This law addresses pedestrians walking on roadways when no sidewalk exists. It requires pedestrians to walk facing traffic.
Since Denton walked in a travel lane while pushing a shopping cart, authorities may review whether this section applied. However, even if the pedestrian bore some responsibility, the hit-and-run driver still carries overwhelming liability for fleeing. Police will also examine California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel only at speeds safe for conditions. If the driver traveled too fast to see or react in time, that violation could further establish fault.
What the Family Can Do
The family of Stacy Denton may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows them to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Because this is a hit-and-run, the family may also seek recovery through Denton’s own uninsured motorist coverage if she carried it. If not, her relatives should check whether she lived with a family member who had auto insurance, since coverage sometimes extends to household members.
An attorney can help the family by working with police, reviewing surveillance cameras in the area, and collecting witness statements from anyone who passed through at that early hour. They can also monitor the criminal investigation to coordinate civil claims once the driver is located. Although no amount of money can undo the loss from the Morena Boulevard accident, pursuing legal action can help the family find accountability and financial stability. It may also place additional pressure on authorities to locate the driver responsible for the Morena Boulevard accident.
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.
