Suspected Street Racing in San Bernardino Leads to a Tragic Fatality and One Arrest
City of San Bernardino, CA (June 10, 2020) – A suspected street race in San Bernardino resulted in one driver being fatally injured and the other driver to be arrested. The fatal accident took place on Ninth Street east of Waterman Avenue. According to reports, both drivers involved in the incident were mother and son.
While driving westbound on Ninth Street, the suspected drivers attempted to pass a Toyota but instead, the 54-year-old mother, Algetta Michelle Strother, collided with the vehicle. This caused her to lose control of her vehicle, which rolled over and struck a tree. Strother was ultimately ejected from the vehicle at the time of the impact. One passenger of the vehicle was transported to a hospital and her condition is unknown.
Fortunately, the unsuspecting driver of the Toyota was unharmed upon collision. According to local police, the suspected accomplice, 26-year-old Kirk Strother Jr. who was driving the other vehicle, was arrested at the scene under suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Both alcohol and excessive speeding are considered significant factors in causing the accident, but the crash currently remains under investigation.
Although no innocent bystanders were injured in this case, many others are not as fortunate. Regrettably, the State of California has an established culture of unlawful street racing, where hundreds of innocent people are tragically injured or killed. Car accidents that are caused by excessive speeds can easily result in fatal injuries. Even when this is not the case, those who suffer injuries are likely to experience a lifetime of pain and suffering.
Common injuries typically associated with illegal street racing include traumatic brain injuries, where an impact to the head can cause cerebral dysfunction. A traumatic brain injury can range from mild to severe and can lead to dizziness, the inability to concentrate, or even permanent brain damage. Another injury typically caused by an accident involving excessive speeds is a spinal cord injury. When a spinal cord has been severed, a person can suffer irreversible paralysis in the extremities.
When an injury is not debilitating, it can still lead to a lifetime of anguish. For example, those who susain facial disfigurement can lead a lifetime of embarrassment and suffering. Another condition typically caused by street racing is emotional trauma, where the victim can live in fear of driving alongside other drivers.
Aside from the pain and despair caused by any of the aforementioned injuries, those who are injured in illegal street racing can also face serious financial hardship. Most injuries caused by street racing can usually affect a person’s bodily function, and typically lead to a physical and financial dependence.
Participating in street racing in California is illegal. Every person who operates a vehicle on a California road has a responsibility to follow traffic laws and drive responsibly. When the reckless actions of a driver leads to the injury or death of another, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the victim’s injuries. Depending on the facts of the case, a victim may be entitled to damages including past and present medical costs, loss of wages, and more. Additionally, victims may also be eligible for intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and depression.
It is possible that in exceptionally deplorable circumstances, the judge or jury in the case will decide to punish the at-fault driver and award the victim damages referred to as punitive damages. In many cases, punitive damages are awarded when there has been a blatant disregard for the safety of others and traffic laws have been ignored.
Illegal street racing is not only an unlawful action, it is a reckless action that causes the suffering of thousands of people each year. If you or someone you love has recently been injured because of another driver’s careless actions, the ability to obtain financial compensation may be possible. Speak to a knowledgeable attorney who can investigate the case and help you establish a strong case against the negligent street racer.
The personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Justin H. King have many years of dedicated experience defending the rights of injured victims, helping them obtain the compensation they are owed. The firm understands that following a car accident that involves speeding, the victim’s injuries can completely change the course of his or her life. With more than a decade of legal experience, the firm has aggressively defended the rights of auto accident victims, ultimately helping them secure the compensation they deserved. After an auto accident, consider obtaining the support of the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King. Schedule a no-obligation through the Online Portal today.
