A taxi driver lost his life in a double hit-and-run accident on Interstate 5 near Old Town San Diego early Saturday.
The incident occurred around 2:30am on the I-5 South between Old Town Avenue and Washington Street. First, the taxi cab was struck by a wrong-way driver traveling northbound on the southbound freeway. The driver fled the scene, but according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was later arrested. She was identified as a 42-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona driving a rental car.
After the first collision, the taxi driver got out of his vehicle. He was then struck by another car, the driver of which fled the scene and is still at large. It was this second collision that claimed the life of the 42-year-old cab driver, who has been described as a family man and father of three who played a big role in his church.
A third vehicle, a Honda Accord, also collided with the taxi, but it was the second impact that fatally injured the cab driver.
The first hit-and-run driver, who was driving the wrong way on the freeway, has been arrested on suspicion of several felony DUI-related charges. The second hit-and-run driver has not yet been located, though a search is currently underway.
Seeking Justice After a Fatal Auto Accident
Traffic accidents claim tens of thousands of lives each year. In 2012, more than 33,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents across the United States, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There is truly no way to compensate a family who has lost a loved one in an auto accident. It is possible, however, to seek justice and recover financial compensation to help a family face a more stable future.
In addition to facing criminal charges for hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter and DUI, the two hit-and-run drivers in the tragic accident above may face civil lawsuits filed by the family of the taxi driver. Families who lose loved ones may be able to pursue wrongful death actions against at-fault parties to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional trauma, loss of companionship or consortium, funeral costs and more. Taking legal action of this kind can also increase awareness of the danger of drunk driving and other forms of driver negligence or wrongdoing.
The McClellan Law Firm represents the injured and wronged throughout San Diego in personal injury and wrongful death actions stemming from car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and all other motor vehicle accidents. We also help those injured by defective products, hazardous premises and more. If you would like to find out how a San Diego injury lawyer at our firm can help you, please call for a free and confidential consultation.