Most people would never dream of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash because they know that to do so is unlawful as well as unethical. Unfortunately, though, sometimes hit-and-run incidents happen; the driver responsible for a collision flees the scene, often leaving behind victims who have died or need immediate medical attention. Recently, three children were killed and another child critically injured in a horrific incident on a California roadway.
Vehicle drifts onto shoulder, hits girls
The crash happened on Camp Rock Road in the Lucerne Valley late on a Saturday evening. According to the California Highway Patrol, four girls were walking in the northbound lane of the road when, apparently, a vehicle drifted onto the shoulder of the road. The driver struck the girls and then fled the scene.
Driver and passenger flee scene on foot
Three of the girls, ages 13, 11 and 12, were pronounced dead at the scene. The fourth girl, age 14, was taken to a hospital. Her mother has stated she is suffering from life-threatening injuries, including shattered limbs and serious liver and kidney damage. Reportedly, witnesses indicated that they saw a driver and a passenger get out of the vehicle following the crash and use flashlights to search the scene; they then walked away from the site without calling for help.
Undoubtedly, the victims’ families are suffering a great deal, as well as the young girl who survived the crash but may face a long and painful recovery. They are likely also looking for answers as to how so many lives could have changed in an instant. The CHP is continuing to investigate the incident and are searching for the driver responsible. When this person is found, evidence may indicate he or she was at fault in some way, whether due to speeding, distraction or impairment. In that case, the families could consider pursuing the matter through the California civil justice system; attorneys with experience in this area of the law are available to explain their options, possibly including a wrongful death or personal injury suit.