A car accident in Los Angeles resulted in fatal injuries for a passenger. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of August 30, 2010 on Turnbull Canyon Road in Hacienda Heights when a black Honda Accord lost control and crashed. Police believe that the Accord may have been racing with a Honda Civic on the roadway. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this crash. A passenger in the Accord died while the driver suffered moderate injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved the deceased victim for their heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Street Racing Statistics

According to a recent news article in the Los Angeles Times, between 2000 and 2006, 50,000 drivers pleaded guilty to illegal speed contests in the United States. Last year alone, 6,100 drivers pleaded guilty to drag racing. In most cases street-racing is a misdemeanor, but when it involves serious injuries or deaths, the charges are elevated to murder or vehicular manslaughter.

Basic Speed Law

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." It is illegal to become involved in a speed racing contest on any public roadway under California Vehicle Code Section 23109 (a).

Claim for Compensation

If it is determined that the driver of the Honda Accord was street racing, the family of the passenger killed in the accident could file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. A reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims or their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.

Is street racing a problem in your community?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.