RSSMotorists travel Ocean Boulevard for many reasons, and some stretches of the road are all too tempting for young drivers wanting to engage in street racing. Recently in Long Beach, two vehicles were apparently racing on a stretch of the scenic road when one car wiped-out. The Honda convertible struck a tree and the crash ejected two occupants of one vehicle; one occupant suffered critical injuries while the other passed away at the scene.
The 27-year-old man who died had recently become a father and a vigil was held in his memory shortly after the deadly incident. In an unusual twist of fate, the deceased man’s own father had also lost his life in a car accident.
The other vehicle allegedly competing in the street race left the scene. However, police later arrested the man. According to police, witnesses aided in the search for the driver and he was eventually located a house in Long Beach. The accident occurred near Temple Avenue, a little after 10:00pm. Residents in the neighborhood observed that it’s not unusual to see street racing occur in that area.
If drivers are caught racing on local streets, police may make arrests for various reasons. They may charge a driver with reckless driving, speeding or even DUI if they suspect a racing driver has been drinking as well. Generally, a driver is accused of recklessness when police believe he or she showed “willful disregard” for the safety of others. In addition, it also often a crime to leave the scene of an accident in which one was involved.
Still, all drivers have the right to contest charges after being arrested. There are many different defenses to reckless driving, DUI and leaving the scene of a crash. After accusations of street racing, a driver is likely to face a host of different charges, especially if an accident led to serious injury or death.
Earlier this year, local media investigated illegal street racing in the L.A. area. Some local politicians hope to provide a venue where the practice can be performed legally.
Call Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 for more information if you have been charged with a crime after a crash.