Lisa Xavier, 6, was killed in a San Francisco car accident which officials say was caused by two cars racing on a public street. According to a Bay City News Service report, the tragic car accident occurred the afternoon of November 12, 2009 at the intersection of Willow Road and Bayfront Expressway in Menlo Park when Lisa was traveling in a car with her mother. Police say two cars were street racing when one of them ran a red light and crashed into the car containing Lisa and her mother. The driver of the car that caused the crash got out of the wrecked car, got into the other car involved in the race and fled the accident scene. Police are looking for 24-year-old Shannon Fox as a person of interest in connection with this case. Anyone who may have witnessed this car accident is asked to call Menlo Park police at 650-330-6300.
Tragedy Caused by Street Racers
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of little Lisa Xavier that has suffered a devastating blow. Not only did they lose this little girl, but her mother is in the hospital fighting for her life. I hope and pray that the mother makes it through her injuries and has a full recovery. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
I trust authorities will soon apprehend the two individuals who caused this horrific car accident, and bring them to justice. These hit-and-run suspects have shown a callous disregard for the lives and safety of others on the road. This person who crashed into the victims’ vehicle has broken several laws here. Racing on a public roadway is against California law.
Several California Laws Broken
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. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than 20 miles is measured, but where the vehicle does not exceed the speed limits, is not a speed contest.”
Running a red light is against California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) which states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Finally, this individual, after causing a fatal crash, decided to run away from the accident scene. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
In my opinion, these individuals should be held civilly and criminally responsible for causing this fatal car accident. Lisa Xavier’s family would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney, who will make sure their legal rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for all the expenses they are facing now. I can only imagine the emotional and financial strain this family must be going through with Lisa gone and her mother in serious condition in the hospital. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families in such cases. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will be able to advise the family about how their car insurance policy will apply to an accident involving a hit-and-run driver or in a case where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.