Woman Killed in Apparent Street Racing Crash in West Hills

Colleen Wong, 57, was killed in a West Hills car accident after the vehicle she was driving was struck by a driver who police say was racing with others. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the crash occurred in the 24300 block of Vanowen Street on the afternoon of March 19.

Fatal Crash

According to Los Angeles Fire Department officials, the male driver of the suspect vehicle was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries and a bystander sustained non-life-threatening injuries while helping pull a person from one of the wrecked vehicles. Police said two or three cars were racing when one lost control and crashed into Wong’s vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver who struck Wong’s vehicle was transported to an area hospital and was in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Colleen Wong for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The Danger of Street Racing

Police have said that the stretch of roadway where this fatal crash occurred has been a hot spot for illegal street racers. An LAPD sergeant said the area is known for its high speed and vehicles driving recklessly. Police said they have some security video of the reported street race and that they are using it to reconstruct the accident and to also see how fast the vehicles may have been going.

Street racing is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. 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.” In addition, California’s Basic Speed Law prohibits drivers from violating the posted speed limits or from driving at a rate of speed that is unsafe given the traffic, weather and roadway conditions.

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to remain on top of the official investigation and help ensure that victims’ and their families’ legal rights and best interests are protected.

Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/03/19/innocent-woman-killed-in-apparent-street-racing-crash-in-west-hills/