Southern California Defense Blog

It was recently reported that a hit and run car crash killed three people on the 91 freeway. The deaths occurred after a Mazda collided with a Chevrolet and erupted in flames. A tractor trailer may have also been involved. The driver of the Mazda lost control and swerved across several lanes, cutting in front of a tractor trailer. The driver of the tractor slammed on the brakes. The Mazda was then struck by a Chevrolet. The tractor pulled over to the right shoulder for a few minutes, but then drove away. California Highway Patrol reviewed the video of the incident and stated that it doesn’t appear that any of the parties involved were at fault. The CHP believes that the driver of the tractor may have more information on the accident. If the tractor was involved in the accident, the driver may be charged with hit and run.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision must immediately stop at the scene of the accident and give his or her information to the police officer at the scene of the accident, or to the occupants of the other vehicle if requested, and/or report the accident to local authorities. If someone was injured in the accident, the driver must also provide reasonable assistance

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It was recently reported that a Riverside woman has been charged in a hit-and-run death of a bicyclist. Patricia Ann Izquieta, age 37, allegedly struck a bicyclist in her SUV. Izquieta allegedly fled the scene dragging the bicycle under her car for over a mile. Izquieta was allegedly under the influence of prescription drugs. Izquieta is charged with one felony count of hit and run causing a death, one felony count of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license.

Hit-and-run causing a death is a serious crime in California. Under California Vehicle Code section 20001, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident must immediately stop at the scene and provide his or her information to the police officer on the scene of the accident, or to the occupants of the other vehicle if requested. More importantly, a felony conviction for hit-and-run causing death is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to four years and a fine of up to $10,000. A person who flees the scene of the crime after committing vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of a drug or alcohol is punishable by an additional five years in state prison.

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It was recently reported that a 62-year old woman died as a result of her injuries in a hit and run accident in Los Angeles. The woman, whose name has not yet been released, was hit while she was crossing a street near Normandie Avenue and West Adams Boulevard. The man believed to have hit the woman was driving a black Toyota Camry. Police are trying to locate the driver, who will be facing hit and run charges.

In the state of California, the driver in the above situation will be facing felony hit and run and possibly homicide charges. Potential penalties can include prison time, hefty fines, and loss of driving privileges for the rest of his life.

Continue reading "How Hiring An Experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You If You Are Arrested for a Hit and Run - CVC 20001 - CVC 20002" »