Paso Robles, CA — In the early hours of Sunday morning, August 11, 2024, a 15-year-old driver was arrested near Paso Robles after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that left his passenger, 22-year-old Raul Santiago Cortez, with serious injuries, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 AM on North River Road, near its intersection with Wellsona Road, in a quiet rural area just north of Paso Robles.
According to a release from the California Highway Patrol’s Templeton Office, the juvenile driver, a resident of Paso Robles, was speeding in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro with two passengers. The passengers were another teenage male, aged 17, also from Paso Robles, and Cortez.
The driver was reportedly traveling at speeds between 80 and 90 mph when he approached a turn. Unable to reduce speed in time, the vehicle veered off the road, landing on the dirt shoulder. The Camaro then rolled multiple times across a nearby grass field, resulting in significant damage.
While the driver and his front-seat passenger sustained only minor cuts and abrasions, Cortez, who was seated in the back, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered major injuries. Despite the severity of the situation, the two juveniles fled the scene without attempting to assist Cortez or seek help.
It was passersby who ultimately alerted authorities to the crash. When officers arrived, they found Cortez injured and in need of immediate medical attention. He was transported to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo for treatment of his serious injuries.
The CHP quickly began searching for the fleeing juveniles, using the car’s registration to locate them. They were found and taken to Adventist Health Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton, where they were treated for their injuries. Both teens gave statements to the authorities, and the 15-year-old driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall.
At this time, it is unclear whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash. The California Highway Patrol has launched an ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry covers accidental harm caused not only to those outside the vehicle but also to passengers within it. While making a Wrongful Death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim can be emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be substantial.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these complex issues and negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
