[07-30-2020] Orange County, CA – One Person Killed Due to a Street Racing Crash in Santa Ana

A 67-year-old longtime Orange County Register journalist identified as Eugene Harbrecht was killed in a fatal street racing crash near Bristol Street on Thursday, July 30.

The fatal crash transpired at around 11:45 a.m. at Bristol Street and Santa Clara Avenue. A BMW slammed into the victim’s Ford pickup as he was attempting to make a left turn. The BMW was allegedly initially involved in a street race against a dark-colored sedan before the accident.

Due to the severity of the impact, the truck was forced 60 feet into a fence. The car then caught fire while the victim was still trapped inside. A bystander attempted to pull him out of the vehicle. Paramedics arrived at the scene and rushed the victim to the UC Irvin Medical Center, where he, unfortunately, passed away. The driver of the BMW sustained life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition.

Meanwhile, the driver of the dark-colored sedan fled the scene. Local authorities later located him near a post office. Both street racers were arrested and booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

Street Racing Accident Investigation Is Underway

Local authorities are currently further investigating the case.

Although head-on collisions only represent 2 percent of accidents, they account for 10 percent of fatalities on U.S. roadways. Approximately 3,000 people in the USA die annually because of car accidents. In 2017, there were about 3,304 fatal car accidents and 3,602 related deaths in California alone. Eighty percent of all car accidents involve some form of distracted driving.

High-speed racing on the road is probably one of the most dangerous and reckless things drivers can do, especially if they’re not a professional racecar driver. They could potentially injure others, and it can also lead to fatal consequences.

When facing cases like this, it’s essential to have an experienced Orange County wrongful death attorney specializing in fatal street racing accidents to conduct an independent investigation. Attorneys can utilize their resources to review the factors that may have affected the crash carefully. They can hire expert witnesses, conduct background checks on the drivers involved, and review applicable insurance coverage for their client.

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT

Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Street Racing Accidents in Orange County

Suddenly losing a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident can be quite devastating and stressful.

While waiting for the official investigation results, the victim’s family is encouraged to pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of their attorney. Through the wrongful death claim, the victim’s family can seek financial compensation for the damages such as loss of companionship and income, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress that the fatal accident has caused them.

Attorneys can serve as a compassionate, helpful legal guide during this difficult time for the grieving family. They will vigorously fight for their client’s rights and best interests while ensuring that the liable party will be held accountable for their negligence. Attorneys can also negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients to ensure they are compensated fairly.

If you have a nagging suspicion that someone is to blame for your spouse or family member’s death or injury, contact Arash Law. We have the resources you need to pursue justice for wrongful death and the experience to ensure that you get fair compensation. We’re conveniently located throughout California with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, San Diego, and are happy to visit you at your home or office. Call (888) 488-1391 for a FREE Consultation with a wrongful death attorney in California.