One person was killed and three people were injured in an unsafe passing accident on Highway 395 near Barstow. At about 8:15 p.m. Friday, Maureen Fisher, 50, of San Diego was driving northbound on Highway 395 near mile post marker 61 in Rural Helendale. An SUV passed her 2005 Honda Odyssey on the left.
Meanwhile, Justin Chang, 23, of Hacienda Heights was driving southbound. He swerved off the highway to avoid the oncoming SUV and then into the northbound lane of Highway 395. His 2007 Toyota Scion was then broadsided by Fisher's Honda Odyssey. The SUV that caused the collision was not struck, and did not stop at the scene. Justin Chang died at the scene of the crash. Fisher, and her two passengers, an 18-year-old and a 14-year-old, were all injured and taken to nearby hospitals. The California Highway Patrol is investigating this multi-vehicle accident.
Not stopping at the scene of an accident that you were a party to is against the law. Under the California Vehicle Code ยง 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." It does not matter that the driver of the SUV did not physically collide with either of the two vehicles. He or she had a responsibility to stop at the scene. This driver could be facing hit and run and even possibly vehicular manslaughter charges. He or she is urged to contact law enforcement officials as soon as possible.
In cases such as these, at-fault drivers or other parties responsible for this collision may be held civilly liable for their actions. The family of the man killed in this accident, as well as the three occupants of the Honda Odyssey would be well advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney who has successfully handled cases involving hit and run drivers. Even if the driver is not located, the victims' own auto insurance policy may apply in a hit-and-run situation.
Sources: NBC San Diego, San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner
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