Hit and Run Driver Sought in Actor’s Death
I’m Ed Smith, a Ventura car accident lawyer. Readers may recall an accident in Ojai on July 6 that claimed the life of director and actor John Slade, who was with the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. The accident was reported as a one-vehicle crash. Now, representatives of the California Highway Patrol have reported that the accident was caused by a hit and run driver. The CHP is seeking help from the public in locating the other individual who was involved in this crash that took Slade’s life.
Person of Interest
The CHP is seeking the whereabouts of Patrick McVicker, a 48-year-old Ventura resident, who was driving an Audi S5 along California U.S. Route 101 northbound at the time the accident occurred that killed Slade. A warrant for arrest was issued for McVicker, and the unit for special investigations of the CHP is investigating the crash as a felony collision involving a hit and run. McVicker is described as white, about 6 feet in height and weighing approximately 225 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair. He may be located in the areas around Ventura, Oxnard and Ojai. Those with information about his whereabouts may contact the Ventura CHP office.
Accident Details
According to authorities, McVicker’s vehicle crashed with the Toyota Prius being driven by Slade. Both vehicles crashed with the guardrail, breaking it. McVicker’s vehicle sustained serious damage when it left the road and experienced a rollover. Slade’s vehicle collided with the center divider as well as the guardrail.
Audi Driver Runs From Accident Scene
McVicker reportedly ran from the accident site, abandoning both Slade and a passenger in McVicker’s vehicle. Slade suffered critical injuries internally and was taken to the medical center in Ventura County where he died. No information was provided on the passenger who was with McVicker when the crash occurred.
Hit and Run Accidents in Ventura
The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 883 crashes that resulted in deaths or injuries in Ventura during 2014. Hit and run accidents comprised 45 of those accidents. In Ventura County, there were a total of 4,117 accidents with fatalities and injuries. Of that number, 162 were hit and run accidents.
What to Do If You Are in a Hit and Run Accident
DMV.org offers tips on what to do. If possible, write down as much information about the other vehicle as possible. Include license plate number, color, make and model of the vehicle and any distinguishing characteristics such as a dented fender, paint scrape or other marks. If you happen to get a look at the driver, describe the driver if possible. Note hair color, race, sex and any distinguishing features. Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident, and ask them to write down what they saw and include contact information. When police are notified of the accident, tell them right away about the details of the other driver, so a search for the other vehicle can be started immediately. The faster a search begins, the more likely the driver will be found.
Can an Attorney Help in a Hit and Run Accident?
An experienced lawyer can perform an investigation of a hit and run and can be successful in many cases in locating the offending party. By working with police, performing accident reconstruction, interviewing witnesses, using forensics and having the financial means to pursue an investigation, it is possible to find a hit and run driver if the investigation is performed soon after an accident. With time, evidence disappears, and finding the driver becomes more difficult. Contacting an attorney with experience in this area can be a positive move in finding the guilty party.
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Ventura Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Ventura car accident lawyer. If a negligent driver caused your injuries or those of a loved one, call me at (805) 372-0200 for my free and friendly advice. Outside the area, call (800) 404-5400.
I have practiced in California as an injury lawyer for 35 years, assisting those injured through negligence or who have lost a family member to wrongful death and am proud to serve the residents of Ventura and Ventura County.
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