Douglas Hill, an 18-year-old member of the U.S. Navy, sustained critical injuries in a San Diego car accident, which officials say, involved street-racing. According to a 10news report, the crash occurred July 5, 2010 as Hill lost control of his red Ford Mustang while merging from the southbound 5 Freeway to the eastbound State Route 94. California Highway Patrol officials say he was traveling at about 90 mph at the time of the crash and believe that there were other cars involved. Hill suffered critical injuries with both of his legs being amputated. Both, Hill and his passenger, 19-year-old Joshua Songer, were ejected from the Mustang. Fortunately, Songer escaped with only a deep cut to his cheek.

What a horrible tragedy for this young sailor, a Navy sonar technician, who had his whole life ahead of him. Now, he is in a hospital bed fighting for his life. He has no doubt sustained catastrophic injuries. I pray that he makes it through his injuries and has a speedy recovery.

San Diego Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 81 deaths and 6,123 injuries involving car accidents in San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

The Law Relating to Street Racing

Based on this news report, street-racing may have led to this tragic accident. Racing on a public roadway 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 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."

An Important Lesson

In this particular case, it appears that this may not have been the first time Hill raced on a public roadway. This incident is indeed a lesson for other young people, or just any motorist, that speed kills. If you must race, go to a track. By racing on a public roadway, an individual is not only putting his life in grave danger, but also the lives of his passengers and others on the roadway. In this particular case, I truly hope the other racers are soon apprehended and brought to justice. Retaining an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will definitely help the victim's family better understand their legal rights and options.

Do you think local law enforcement officials do a good job of cracking down on street racers?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.