California Injury Blog
Two people were killed and one person was severely injured in a fiery street-racing crash in Anaheim early morning on December 10, 2016. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the crash was reported in the 1700 block of West Ball Road. Witnesses told police two cars were speeding west on Ball Road at 80 to 100 mph, in a 40 mph zone, when the driver of an 2003 Infiniti lost control and jumped the curb shearing a light pole and hitting several parked cars.
Injury and Fatalities
It then crashed into a home and burst into flames two feet from the living room of Martin Sanchez who officials say may have saved the life of the car’s 24-year-old passenger by using a garden hose to put out the flames that had spread to the man’s clothes. First responders found two people dead in the car.
The passenger is said to be in critical condition, but is expected to survive. The male driver of the Infiniti and the other male passenger, have not yet been identified because they were both badly burned. Police are continuing their search for the second vehicle, described as a red sports car, possibly a Mustang or Camaro.
Laws Against Street Racing
According to the Register, Between November 2001 and this most recent crash, there have been 10 fatal street-racing accidents in Orange County resulting in the deaths of 12 people. Racing on a public roadway is prohibited under California law. 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.” These are accidents, injuries and fatalities that are entirely preventable, which makes them all the more tragic.
Liability Issues
Those who participate in street-racing crashes, in addition to facing criminal charges, can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can also seek compensation for damages by filing a wrongful death claim. An experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer will be able to stay on top of the investigation and help ensure that victims’ and family members’ legal rights and best interests are safeguarded at all times.