Street-racing may have been the cause of a Garden Grove car accident that injured four teenagers who were heading home to Huntington Beach from their prom at the Disneyland Hotel. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the 18-year-old male driver of the BMW carrying the teens, swerved to avoid another vehicle the morning of June 6, 2010 and hit a parked car on West Street near Reva Drive, in Garden Grove.
Police say the driver of the BMW was possibly involved in an illegal street race, lost control of the vehicle and caused the accident. Three passengers were transported to a local hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The driver suffered minor injuries. Alcohol may have also been a factor, officials say. An investigation is ongoing.
It is fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed in this high-speed crash. Speed, alcohol and teenagers – proves again to be a dangerous mix! I wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 717 injuries involving car accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Racing on a Public Roadway
In California, racing on a public street or a highway is 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. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than 20 miles is measured, but where the vehicle does not exceed the speed limits, is not a speed contest." Driving under the influence is also a serious crime under California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a).
Liability Issues
In this particular case, the driver of the vehicle, in addition to facing possible criminal charges may also be held financially responsible for his reckless actions that caused injuries to others in the car. In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other damages. An experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
What steps can parents take to keep their teens safe on prom night? What type of advice/instructions should these youngsters be given and what should be done to make sure that those instructions are followed?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting