A suspected drunk driver is in custody following a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 50-year-old Jim Frazee in El Cajon. The crash happened late on the night of August 17, near the intersection of Chase and Avocado Avenues.
According to the El Cajon Police Department, officers were dispatched around 1 am after reports of a collision involving a vehicle, a fire hydrant, and a power pole. Witnesses also reported that a man pushing a shopping cart had been struck and appeared deceased. Paramedics later confirmed Frazee died at the scene.
Investigators determined that an SUV involved in the crash fled before police arrived. Using automated license plate readers, authorities identified the vehicle, which was later located with heavy damage and with deployed airbags. Officers contacted the suspected driver at a nearby residence, where he allegedly showed signs of intoxication. He was arrested.
If you have lost a loved one in a collision caused by a suspected drunk or reckless driver, the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving and Hit-and-Run Collisions
Drunk driving remains one of the deadliest preventable causes of traffic fatalities. Alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times, and reduces coordination, making it far more likely that a driver will lose control of their vehicle. In this case, the driver allegedly struck and killed Jim Frazee after hitting a fire hydrant and utility pole, showing the extreme risk that impaired driving poses to pedestrians and property alike.
Hit-and-run accidents make these situations even more dangerous. Fleeing the scene delays critical medical attention for victims and complicates investigations, leaving families without answers. Pedestrians, like Mr. Frazee, are especially vulnerable, as they have no protection against vehicles that weigh significantly more than they do.
“Losing a loved one because someone chose to drive drunk, and then flee the scene, is devastating and entirely preventable,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “While criminal charges address the driver’s conduct, civil claims give families an opportunity to pursue accountability and compensation for the losses they have suffered. Legal recourse can provide both financial support and a sense of justice for those left behind.”
Legal Recourse for Families After a Hit-and-Run
Families who lose a loved one in a suspected drunk driving collision may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims allow families to seek compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Financial support that the victim would have provided
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim prior to death
While the state may pursue criminal charges, civil claims allow grieving families to pursue financial accountability and justice on their own. Wrongful death claims can help families not only cover immediate financial burdens but also secure long-term support and a sense of closure during a profoundly difficult time.
If you have lost someone you love in a drunk driving crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can guide you through your legal options.