A 19-year-old man, who officials say, may have been involved in a street race was arrested the night of July 5th after striking and injuring a pedestrian who was crossing the street in Santa Ana. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at Bristol and Myrtle streets. When police arrived at the scene, they found the man with major injuries lying in the street. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics treated him but pronounced him dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
Officers determined during the investigation that the victim was crossing Bristol Street when a car that was traveling south struck him. The driver of the car, Bryan Lemus, stayed at the scene and was contacted by police. A witness reported to the police that the car, a newer model Chevy Camaro, had been involved in a street race with another vehicle before striking the pedestrian.
Police said it was not clear if the race occurred, but said speed played a part in the fatal crash. Lemus was arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter. Anyone with more information about the crash is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased pedestrian. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
California has laws against both racing on public roadways and driving at safe speeds. California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a) states: “A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device.” California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased crash victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation or damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. Victims’ families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana pedestrian accident lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and hold the at-fault parties responsible for their negligence and for the losses they have caused.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/06/man-dead-driver-arrested-in-santa-ana-pedestrian-crash/