San Diego, CA. On July 15th 2024 few details were available after a beige or tan midsize SUV struck a 60-year-old man riding a bicycle in Rancho Penasquitos, in San Diego County, CA. The driver did not stop at the scene. Rancho Penasquitos in a small quiet city off the of I-15 freeway in San Diego
Paramedics took the victim to a hospital for treatment of a fractured neck, brain bleeding, and other serious injuries.
Hit-and-Runs in Criminal and Civil Court
Very few hit-and-run drivers are arrested. Even fewer are convicted. Usually, as in the above story, police have almost nothing to go on. Furthermore, in court, the burden of proof is beyond any reasonable doubt. Since no one caught the tortfeasor (negligent driver) red-handed, prosecutors typically need a voluntary confession to meet this burden of proof.
Civil court is different. Since the burden of proof is only a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not), a little evidence goes a long way. More on that below.
Furthermore, the purpose of civil court is different. Whereas criminal courts punish offenders, civil courts compensate victims. A lawyer can obtain compensation for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.
Tracking Down the Tortfeasor
This process varies in different cases, but we will share the typical plan of action in California hit-and-run matters.
Video evidence, but not video evidence from the scene, is usually key. In the above story, a San Diego personal injury lawyer would review footage from nearby cameras, looking for a beige/tan SUV with certain body damage.
Most people drive basically the same route every day. So, if a lawyer or investigator stakes out the area, they will probably see the same vehicle again and, this time, get at least a partial plate number.
It is more likely than not that the stakeout vehicle and hit-and-run vehicle were the same, it is more likely than not that the owner was driving the car at the time of the crash, and Bob’s your uncle.
Connect With a Detail-Oriented San Diego Car Accident Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a confidential consultation with a lawyer contact Ozols Law Firm. We routinely handle matters throughout California.