Criminal charges may be forthcoming against a teen driver who struck a tow truck driver from Temecula while he was assisting a stalled vehicle on the I-5 shoulder. The teen was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI. Tragically, the victim perished at Inland Valley Hospital several hours later.
The Accident
In October, 28-year-old Temecula-based DJ’s Towing Company employee Kyle Crull was dispatched by AAA to assist the driver and a passenger of a stalled vehicle on the southbound Interstate 15 Temecula Parkway off-ramp. He had arrived at the scene and was working outside of his truck when 19-year-old Danika L. McGetrick veered onto the shoulder, striking Crull, his tow truck, and the disabled vehicle.
A Preventable Tragedy
Crull was thrown into the bed of his truck by the impact of McGetrick’s 2016 Kia Optima and suffered critical injuries. She was arrested and taken to French Valley jail on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. If prosecuted, she faces prison time and license suspension. This is, unfortunately, another heartbreaking case that could have been avoided altogether if McGetrick hadn’t been drinking and driving.
The Legal Fallout
In addition to the likely criminal charges she will face, there is also a high probability that Crull’s surviving family will file a civil suit for wrongful death against McGetrick. Under California state law, surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children of the deceased may bring forth a wrongful death lawsuit. Crull is survived by his young daughter.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
If you or a member of your family has been killed or injured by a drunk driver, Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation can help you find justice. Contact our Murrieta office today at (951) 489-3320 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced and compassionate personal injury and wrongful death lawyer.