Toddler Hit by Drunk Driver

An Oceanside police lieutenant said Tuesday that a toddler that was critically injured in a drunk driving accident has been upgraded to serious condition.  The accident occurred when a teenage driver, who is suspected to have been drunk, drove his sport utility vehicle into the toddler and the toddler's grandfather.

Abraham Verde of Oceanside was pushing a stroller containing the toddler at 9:21 a.m. when both were hit by the out-of-control vehicle.  After striking the grandfather and child, the car then hit a home.  Verde was seriously injured in the crash, but Lt. Leonard Mata reports that he has since been released.

It's believed by police investigators that the crash happened when the 17-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle while speeding and attempting to turn onto a private road.  The teen fled the scene of the accident, but was stopped by police later on suspicion of drunken driving.

It has been undetermined by prosecutors as to whether the 17-year-old will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.  Investigators are looking into how the driver obtained the alcohol.

Involved in a serious car accident with a negligent driver?  Contact us to speak with a San Diego personal injury attorney.