Most people know the correct (and lawful) action after becoming involved in a motor vehicle accident is to remain at the scene. However, some people immediately leave the crash site rather than staying to cooperate with authorities and assist victims. People who act irresponsibly in this way, whether in California or elsewhere, are not only breaking the law, but are also sometimes endangering the outcome for any victims.
Tow truck collides with vehicle
In a recent example, a man died and another person was seriously injured when a tow truck collided with their vehicle on an El Cajon roadway. The incident happened early on a recent Tuesday evening. Police have said the tow truck driver made a sudden turn on the road, colliding with another vehicle headed in the same direction. The truck then crashed into a stand of palm trees, and the driver left the vehicle and fled the scene.
Passenger dies in hospital
Reportedly, the tow truck driver returned to the scene as police were there investigating the incident. He was taken into custody and was also taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries he had suffered in the crash. The driver of the other vehicle, as well as a passenger in the same vehicle, were also taken to a hospital for treatment of what were initially described as serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. Sadly, the 56-year-old passenger died in a San Diego hospital the following day.
Apparently, investigators suspected the tow truck driver may have been driving while impaired at the time of the crash. Certainly, this horrific outcome could have been a result of the driver being impaired, distracted, speeding or a combination of factors. In any case, one person died and another was seriously injured, likely due to negligence and/or recklessness on the part of the tow truck driver. Often, following this type of motor vehicle accident, if investigative evidence indicates a driver was at fault, injured victims or families of deceased victims choose to pursue the matter further. In California, attorneys experienced in this area of the law are available to discuss options.