Estephani Orduna, 19, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after the driver of the car in which she was a passenger lost control of the vehicle and crashed. According to an Associated Press news report, Orduna was a passenger in a Ford Mustang, whose driver, 19-year-old Jesus Lopez, was involved in a street race near downtown Los Angeles, with another vehicle -- a Honda Civic -- the night of January 18, 2010.

Los Angeles police officials say the driver of the Honda pulled in front of the Mustang during their street race and braked, causing Lopez to lose control. The Mustang struck two parked cars, a light pole, a wall and an iron fence. Orduna died from her injuries. Lopez was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The other driver fled the scene and police are looking for him. If you witnessed this fatal car accident, please contact LAPD at 213-972-1825.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Estephani Orduna for their tragic and sudden loss. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 260 fatalities and 27,110 injuries involving car accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents during the same year.

Laws Against Street Racing and Hit-and-Run

Based on this report, both these drivers were involved in the unsafe and illegal activity of racing on a public roadway. 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."

Apart from engaging in a street race, the driver of the Honda Civic also left the scene of the accident, which is illegal. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

I sincerely hope that officials soon apprehend the driver of the Honda Civic who apparently played a part in causing this deadly car crash. In any such case where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death claim. Such claims usually seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, can help protect these families' legal rights and also explain to them how their car insurance policy will apply to a hit-and-run car accident or in an incident where the at-fault parties are uninsured or underinsured.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Bookmark and Share