Family of teenager stuck during hit-and-run plead for tips from the community

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) -- The investigation into a hit-and-run incident after a high school football game in the Torrey Pines area continues as the family of one of the victims pursues civil action while they wait for the criminal case to move forward.

The hit-and-run happened in a parking lot nearly two weeks ago, and the teenagers' parents made a public plea for information and said they are taking civil action against the suspect.

Video shows a group of teenage girls crossing the street near the Del Mar Highlands shopping center, when one appears to be struck by a car.

“Our daughter could’ve lost her life that night, and we have watched this video countless times. There is no doubt our daughter saved her own life that night," said Emma, the victim's mother.

She said a good Samaritan provided a video of the incident.

The family is taking civil action while waiting for the criminal investigation to play out. Their attorney said the car left the scene.

San Diego Police said the suspect is a minor and could face a hit-and-run charge. They added the teen is not in custody, and the case remains open with the Community and Youth Services Division.

“What we can’t comprehend is how someone could so carelessly disregard her life—and all the lives of her friends who were there that night. The fear, the anxiety, the shattering of their sense of safety—it’s undeniable," said Emma.

This is only the beginning of a long and painful road to recovery for her daughter, who is recovering from a concussion, Emma added.

The family’s lawyer, Michael Goldfaden, aims to secure compensation in a manner that will bring the family some sense of peace of mind. He said he is following the lead of the criminal case.

“We are going to have to face and try to figure out -- it will be up to the district attorney’s office to try to figure out over the next couple of weeks and months whether or not this act was intentional or unintentional," said Goldfaden.

The family is asking anyone with information to call their attorney’s office. The law firm has established a dedicated hotline for tips.