A fatal hit and run auto accident case that has stretched out over a two year span has now been filed as a wrongful death lawsuit in Vista Superior Court. The 17 year-old victim of the accident’s mother, Teresa Cuevas, is filing the suit on behalf of her deceased daughter.
In November of 2007 the victim, Marlene Resendiz, was hit by a car while the girl was crossing East Grand Avenue. The car was driven by Tiffany St. Ives and it is now alleged that Ms. Ives may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune:
“St. Ives, who has run an animal-rescue farm called The Purple Cow for nearly two decades, was arrested in February after an informant told police that St. Ives had him go to great lengths to cover up the accident.
St. Ives is charged with fleeing the scene of a fatal accident and faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison if convicted. A trial has been scheduled for June 15.
The informant told police that St. Ives directed him to repair damage to the front of her black Nissan sedan using only parts bought from a junkyard, then wash the car with bleach and paint it gold.”
Attorney for Teresa Cuevas, Daniel Gilleon of Mitchell | Gilleon in San Diego, alleges that St. Ives had consumed alcohol or other intoxicants before the crash.
Gilleon said yesterday “Either she is completely heartless and didn’t care, or she was doing something that would get her in trouble.” So far, St. Ives has not been charged with driving while intoxicated.
A wrongful death case especially hard on the victim’s families and that is why it is important to retain a law firm that will protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Mitchell | Gilleon has been fighting for the rights of the injured for nearly two decades. Call our San Diego wrongful death lawyers today at 877-702-8623.
Sun, Apr 4, 2010
Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death