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.

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.