Street Racing Suspected in 8-Vehicle Crash in Los Angeles That Leaves Two in Critical Condition
In early June, a possible street race in Reseda ended with two drivers damaging eight vehicles, in a scene that was reported as resembling “Armageddon.”
Police suspect street racing as the culprit because calls to the department just prior to the crash indicated street racing was taking place and because two drivers lost control of their cars. One of them clipped a van parked on the street, and the accidents cascaded from there.
One driver attempted to run away on foot. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The other driver was taken to the hospital.
Los Angeles police said that two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Another person had injuries.
Pictures of the scene showed vehicles sitting on top of each other and hoods destroyed, indicating that the crash force was huge.
Los Angeles police have been trying to combat street racing in recent years. The races, at high speeds in residential neighborhoods and often involving alcohol, are dangerous both to racers and to neighborhoods and passers-by. If you have been injured in a street racing accident, a personal injury lawyer can help.
Liability for Street Racing Crashes
Although the cause of the crash is not yet known, readers should know that drivers who violate California law can be held liable for damage to people and property resulting from a crash. Drivers are expected to obey the speed limit, the laws of the road, and safe driving principles.
California DUI law, in addition, is designed to discourage drinking and driving. In the first offence, a driver convicted of a DUI can receive a jail sentence of as long as 6 months and be fined as much as $1,000. The arrest will be on the driver’s record for 10 years.
The penalties rise after the first offense.
Drivers guilty of a DUI in California can have a suit brought against them for ordinary negligence or gross negligence. Ordinary negligence indicates the person did not act with proper care. Gross negligence indicates the person acted with extreme disregard for others’ safety.
If You Need a Seasoned Southern California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a driver who was not obeying California law or was guilty of a DUI, the drive may be charged with negligence. In California, you may be entitled to damages for personal injury, property damage, medical care, loss of income, physical therapy, and funerals with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney.
The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at the Ellis Law Firm have more than 20 years of experience in southern California car accidents. Call us at 310-641-3335 for a free consultation on your case.
Additional Resources:
- Stevens, Matt, Frank Shyong, and Brittny Meija. “Deadly Street Racing Fueled by Social Media, Popular Culture, Police Say.” Los Angeles Times. February 29, 2016. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-street-racing-popularity-20160229-story.html
- White, Jeremy B. “Suspected Los Angeles street race ends in massive crash ‘like Armageddon.’” The Independent. June 7, 2018. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/car-race-la-street-crash-reseda-dui-driver-video-a8388301.html