California Injury Blog
A two-car accident in Long Beach that left two people dead may have been caused by street racing, officials said. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the car crash occurred the night of October 14, 2017 in the 600 block of Shoreline Avenue near Queens Way. The collision caused one of the cars to catch fire. A woman, a passenger who was reportedly ejected from one of the vehicles, died when paramedics arrived at the scene.
Another man was also transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries. Officials say preliminary investigations show that two cars were northbound on Shoreline when one car cut off the other vehicle. One vehicle struck the median and then bounced back and hit the other vehicle. All those who were involved were 18 or older. Police are still trying to determine if this fatal crash was the result of street racing. The investigation is ongoing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who were killed in this tragic crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws Related to Street Racing
Based on this news report, it appears that street racing may be been a factor in this fatal crash. Racing on a public roadway 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.”
It is also against the law to operate a vehicle over the speed limit or at an unsafe speed. 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.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal penalties, drivers who cause accidents while street racing can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney will be able to advise injured victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.