California Injury Blog
A mother driving with her son died in a Whittier car accident, which officials say, was caused by two suspected street racers who lost control and crashed. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal car accident occurred the night of December 16, 2016 when one of the speeding vehicles slammed into the woman’s car on Colima Road just north of Mar Vista Street. Police arrested Corey James Kiefer and Jacob Zamora, both 22, on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter.
The two cars involved were a white Hyundai and a black BMW, both racing one another. One of the vehicles lost control and struck the other, sending the Hyundai into opposing lanes, striking an oncoming Honda Accord. The female driver was pronounced dead at a local hospital while her juvenile son was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Officials are still looking into whether drunk driving played a role in the crash.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members and friends of the woman who was killed in this senseless crash. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The Scourge of Street Racing
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 153 people died in 122 racing-related collisions in the U.S. from 2001 to 2010. This statistic only includes incidents where at least one driver was charged with illegal racing. Previously, the agency used a broader definition that (more accurately) included all crashes where investigators concluded that racing was involved. Under that framework, 1,047 people died in racing incidents from 2001 to 2008.
Laws and Liability Issues
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.”
Drivers who cause accidents while racing can be held both criminally and civilly liable for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering.
Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to fight for the rights of victims and their families and ensure that they receive maximum compensation for their losses.