Sindy Lisbeth Hernandez-Villacorta, 21, was killed May 22, 2009 in a Victorville car accident after a suspected drunk driver in a BMW who was racing another motorist slammed into the truck she was driving, the San Bernardino Sun reports. The BMW’s driver and two passengers were apparently speeding east on Mojave Drive. As the BMW reached the intersection of East Trail, a 2002 Nissan Frontier drove into the intersection trying to head west on Mojave drive. That was when the fatal car accident occurred.
Officials have not identified the driver of the 1997 BMW because he has not been arrested. Hernandez-Villacorta reportedly died at the scene. Four other people were personally injured and taken to various area hospitals. Hernandez-Villacorta’s female passenger was airlifted to the hospital and she is said to be in critical condition. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies believe that the driver of the BMW was racing another dark-colored sedan, which has not yet been identified. Police are investigating this as a drunk driving incident.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sindy Lisbeth Hernandez-Villacorta, who died tragically and unnecessarily in this San Bernardino County car accident because of another person’s negligence and callous disregard for public safety. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Hernandez-Villacorta. I also hope and pray that her passenger who has suffered critical injuries will come out of this successfully and make a complete recovery. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers.
In California, racing on a public street or a highway is illegal. 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.” It is also against California Vehicle Code section 23152 to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The family of Sindy Lisbeth Hernandez-Villacorta as well as the injured victim would be well advised to retain the services of experienced California car accident attorneys who will help them legally pursue the negligent parties in this case and secure the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve. I hope officials are also able to locate the driver of the other sedan that was involved in the street racing. He or she could also be held partially liable for the California car accident and resulting personal injuries.