Police in Los Angeles say that evidence gathered at the scene of a fatal car-pedestrian crash suggests that street racing was involved at the time that the car hit the man who was crossing Compton Avenue a few blocks away from his home.
Authorities say that they have arrested an 18-year-old and charged him with vehicular manslaughter. He apparently confessed to hitting the pedestrian after he was driving over the speed limit and was unable to manuever the car to avoid him in time. The crash occurred after dark around 9:00 p.m.
Skid marks near where the man was hit support the claim that the driver did try to slow down. Surveillance video shows the vehicle crashing into a pole and a nearby parked car after he hit the pedestrian. A second vehicle that was involved in the race was also being sought by police. The stretch of Compton Avenue where the accident occurred is known as a place where people illegally street race.
The man was a well-regarded neighbor near the place where he was hit and family and friends told reporters that he will be missed.
In cases where a pedestrian is killed because of a reckless driver, the family can seek damages for the wrongful death. Wrongful death cases may include compensation for hospital and ambulance costs, funeral costs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the untimely loss of a loved one. Immediate family members and spouses are eligible to seek damages in a wrongful death case.
Source: ABC Local, “Street racing likely behind fatal South Los Angeles crash,” Sid Garcia and Q McCray, April 29, 2013.