Police are looking into street racing as a possible factor in a car accident in Exposition Park that left one person dead and another in critical condition the morning of Nov. 12. According to a KTLA news report, the fatal crash occurred a little after midnight when the driver of a silver Range Rover was traveling at a high rate of speed south on Figueroa Street near Exposition Boulevard. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a curb and a palm tree.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Both occupants of the vehicle were described as men between the ages of 20 and 30. Police say another vehicle was involved in the accident, but that it did not remain at the scene. Officials are also looking for any surveillance video of the crash. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 877-527-3247.
The Scourge of Street Racing
According to a survey done by Insurify, on average, nine out of every 100,000 drivers has received a citation for street racing. Nationwide, the average number of vehicle-related deaths per 100,000 people in 2017 was 11.4 and the percentage of drivers that had racked up a prior speeding violation was 11.3%. Street racing has been a well documented problem not just in Southern California, but also statewide. According to the Los Angeles Times, at least 179 people have died since 2000 as a result of street racing in Los Angeles alone.
Laws and Liability Issues
Racing on a public roadway is illegal in California. 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.”
If you or a loved one has been injured by a street racing crash, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault parties for your injuries, damages and losses. It may also be in your best interest to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/street-racing-investigated-as-possible-cause-of-fatal-crash-in-exposition-park/