A preliminary hearing has been set for a 19-year old driver who struck and killed a 4-year old boy, a 10News.com article reports. The motorist is being charged with hit-and-run causing death and has been accused of not stopping after hitting the child on South Encanto Street in San Diego. According to the article, the driver dragged the young boy for 25 feet and returned to the scene of the accident after telling his mother that he thought he struck someone. If the teen is convicted, he may face up to four years in prison in addition to other possible charges.

This fatal hit-and-run San Diego pedestrian accident emphasizes the serious consequences of drivers failing to see pedestrians and not stopping at the scene of a crash. Not only does a motorist potentially face criminal charges, but he or she may also face civil penalties to compensate an injury victim or a wrongful death victim’s family.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even with additional training, enforcement, graduated licensing, and safety education in place, novice teen drivers have significantly higher rates of crash involvement than mature drivers. NHTSA studies have also revealed that teen drivers seem to be more susceptible to the effects of distraction and that teens have a tendency to drive at greater speeds and with shorter distances between themselves and other motorists.

As more preventative and educational measures continue to develop for teen drivers, it is important for parents to take the time to remind their sons and daughters about their many responsibilities when getting behind the wheel.

No matter how young or old a motorist may be, all drivers have the duty to operate their vehicles safely. Negligent and reckless driving is responsible for far too many serious injury and fatal auto collisions and pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be able to obtain compensation for expenses associated with your injuries. Call skilled San Diego attorney Steven Elia today at 619-444-2244 for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.

Steven Elia
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