Two people identified as Jesus Heredia Calixto, 18, and Candice Ann Bustamante, 32, were killed, along with another woman, in a Long Beach car accident, which officials say, was caused by street racing. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the fatal accident occurred when a 2003 Ford Mustang and a 1997 Ford Taurus were possibly racing each other on the Long Beach Peninsula just past midnight on August 22, 2010. The two cars struck each other near 55th Place and Ocean Boulevard. The Mustang spun out of control due to the impact of the collision and hit a stone marker.

The Mustang's passengers were ejected. Bustamante, Calixto, the driver, and another female passenger died at the scene. Another 19-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The two occupants of the Taurus, which was determined to have been stolen, were uninjured, but fled the scene of the crash. They were later arrested and several charges are pending against them, officials said.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the deceased victims in this horrific crash. I also wish the critically injured teen the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 27 people were killed and 1,881 were injured in Long Beach car accidents. That same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County.

The Law Relating to Street Racing

Racing on a public roadway is not only dangerous, but it is illegal in the state of California. According to California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a): "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." It is also a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, the at-fault parties can not only face criminal charges, but can also be held civilly liable for the wrongful deaths and personal injuries caused. Victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Is street racing a common problem in your community? What steps do you think should be taken to eradicate this problem?

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.

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