A 54-year-old hit-and-run driver was arrested in connection with a San Diego car accident, which killed 17-year-old Marlene Resendiz on November 24, 2007. According to a 10News report, Tiffany St. Ives was arrested this week, more than two years after that fatal car accident. Police have been searching for a black sedan with front-end damage that struck and killed Resendiz at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and North Rose Street. Police said at the time that Resendiz was dragged nearly 200 yards. A mechanic who repaired St. Ives' car recently stepped forward to tell police what he knew.

I commend the mechanic for his resolve in coming forward with this information. He hung on to it for two years and it's hard to know what finally pushed him to come forward. But his actions will hopefully give Resendiz's family the closure they have been desperately seeking. Very importantly, it will also make sure that the driver, Tiffany St. Ives, is held accountable for her actions. If she is found guilty of the crime, I hope she gets punished for her actions.

Hit-and-Run Statistics and Laws

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's statistics from 2001, hit-and-run car accidents accounted for 7.8 percent of California’s fatal car accidents. This is more than double the national average of 3.8 percent for 2001.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Hit-and-Run Drivers Must be Held Accountable

Law enforcement officials say the probability of finding a hit-and-run driver is 50-50. But this story proves that hit-and-run drivers can be found and held accountable -- if witnesses or those who have pertinent information report them to the authorities. It's the right thing to do. There are number of resources available to those who want to pass on such valuable information. You can always pass on tips anonymously to groups such as the Crime Stoppers in your area.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, please contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer to find out how you can protect your legal rights and seek compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able advise you about how your car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run car accident or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. A skilled attorney will also explore other avenues for compensation including a dangerous roadway or injuries that were caused by defective auto products.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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