California Injury Blog
One person was killed and another was seriously injured after a two-vehicle crash in Jurupa Valley, believed to be part of a street race.
According to a KTLA news report, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Sierra Avenue and Karen Lane on the night of July 2. When they arrived, deputies found firefighters trying to put out two vehicles that were fully engulfed in flames.
Ongoing Investigation into Deadly Jurupa Valley Street Race Accident
Police investigators said the driver of a 2001 Lexus was involved in a street race with another vehicle on Sierra Avenue when the vehicle went out of control. It crossed over into oncoming traffic and hit a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles.
The driver of the Lexus was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the pickup was rescued from the wreckage and transported to an area hospital for treatment of burns and other crash-related injuries. The driver of the other vehicle that was racing was identified as a 19-year-old man.
He reportedly remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 951-776-1099.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the crash was the result of racing on a public roadway, which is illegal 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 another timing device.” California law also prohibits drivers from exceeding the speed limit on public roadways or driving at a speed that is unsafe given traffic, roadway, or weather conditions.
In car accident cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, injured victims may be able to seek monetary compensation from the at-fault parties for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering, permanent injuries, and emotional distress.
Families that have lost loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/street-race-ends-in-deadly-crash-in-jurupa-valley/