One person was seriously injured this week in a hit-and-run car crash near Oxnard. The crash took place around 6:30 pm and involved an SUV and a van. The driver of the SUV allegedly turned into the path of the van, causing a broadside crash. The victim of the accident was hospitalized but reported to be in stable condition.
The driver of the SUV initially fled the scene of the car crash on foot, running down the street away from police. He was apprehended nearby the crash scene and police arrested him on suspicion of felony hit and run.
It is not clear at this point if there were any mitigating factors aside from carelessness that may have caused the crash, such as distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, based on the fact that police have charged one of the drivers with a felony it is likely that an investigation has commenced and more information will be available soon. Fleeing the scene of an accident is itself a crime, even without other wrongdoing on the part of the driver. At the same time, drivers who run away create increased suspicion that they may have been intoxicated or otherwise engaged in illegal activity at the time of the crash.
Any driver who causes a car accident that results in serious injuries must be held accountable for their actions, whether they are charged with a crime or not. Victims have the right to seek compensation for the harm that was caused.
Source: Ventura County Star, “Man arrested on suspicion of hit and run after Oxnard crash,” Feb. 24, 2014.
