A shocking and potentially tragic scene unfolded late August as a teenage driver appeared to purposely drive into a group of girls in a parking lot near Torrey Pines High School last Friday night, then fled the scene.
A 17-year-old girl was struck by the vehicle, suffering minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released. According to the SDPD, the collision occurred around 9 p.m. off Del Mar Heights Road near Carmel Country Road in Carmel Valley, less than a half-mile from the high school campus.
Shocking Video Details the Incident
The terrible incident was caught on video and aired by 10News San Diego – showing the group waving at the driver, who appeared to pause before accelerating directly toward them. The girl at the end of the line was struck.
Police said the driver was described as a boy under 18, driving a black BMW sedan. The victim had been walking with friends after a football game when the group attempted to cross in front of the vehicle.
The father of one of the girls told reporters that other students claimed the same driver had earlier accelerated toward pedestrians in the area but braked before making contact. Investigators have not yet confirmed those accounts.
Police are treating the case as an assault with a deadly weapon. According to personal injury attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “The events captured on video were absolutely shocking and appeared to be intentional.”
When a driver injures someone”, he went on to say, “they can be held legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause. If that driver acts on purpose, the consequences are even more serious. Victims and their families have the right to demand accountability through both the criminal system and the civil courts.”
While initial reports indicate that the girl who was struck suffered minor injuries, the toll of being a victim of such an attack can be greater than initially believed and worsen over time. “Even relatively minor injuries can lead to long-term complications and affect a person’s life,” Schreiber said. “Something like this may also result in severe emotional and psychological damage as well.”
Singleton Schreiber Can Help
While this incident is still under investigation, help is available for the family of those affected. The attorneys at Singleton Schreiber understand how to help those injured as pedestrians and have been fighting for justice on behalf of San Diegans for decades. If you were hurt as a result of this driver’s reckless and criminal actions, call Singleton Schreiber for a free consultation. There are options available to you beyond the criminal justice system.
