Recently eight people died, and ten more suffered serious injuries at the popular off-road California 200 race when a vehicle lost control and spun into the crowd. According to reports and video of the event, fans were watching the race just feet from the action, a move that other race promoters call plain stupid. Because the event took place on federal land, the race promoters are facing a federal inquiry into the off-road auto accident.

The issue for the promoters of the California 200 is whether they were in any way negligent for the spectators’ deaths. By an initial glance at the facts, it seems the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’

First, according to a contract for the use of the land with the federal agency, the promoters were required to keep spectators at least 50 feet away from the track. Second, according to common practice in the sport, promoters take specific steps to ensure the crowd’s safety. For example, promoters at other races post warning signs and erect barriers in order to provide a safe viewing environment.

For those who were seriously injured as a result of the promoter’s negligent action, they face a long road to recovery. Not only are there the significant expenses for medical treatment, there are also such damages as loss of income and pain and suffering. For those who lost a loved one, they not only must suffer personal loss, but also emotional distress and loss of income.

In situations where negligent action causes either serious injury or death, one has the right in Southern California to bring a legal action for negligent personal injury or wrongful death. In the case of the California 200, these victims have the right to receive compensation for all of their damages, both current and the ongoing issues that may very well affect them in the future.

If you’d like to speak with an attorney about your California personal injury or wrongful death case, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas today. Our Southern California personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Resource links:
LA Times: Federal agency to probe deadly accident at California 200
CNN: California Patrol: Driver in deadly race crash will not face charges

Recently, a popular Southern California off-road racing event, California 200, turned tragic when eight spectators died after a serious off-road accident. Since the race took place on federally owned land (operated by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM), an official federal probe has been opened. The issue is whether the promoter of the California 200 off-road race violated rules that require fans to remain at least 100 feet away from the course.

The off-road accident killed eight spectators and seriously injured ten more when Brett Sloppy lost control of his modified Ford Ranger pickup following an airborne maneuver. Upon impact with the ground, the truck rolled into the crowd.

According to the LA Times, video of the race clearly shows fans standing within feet of the race along the track’s entirety. In the use of land contract with BLM, Mojave Desert Racing of El Monte (the promoter of the race) was to keep spectators 50 feet away from racing vehicles. The Times goes on to report that BLM has launched an official national review of the accident, including reviewing its own safety policies for such events held within its jurisdiction.

In an interview with the Times, Don Wall, President of Snore Racing in Las Vegas, said that allowing spectators so close to the race was akin to “letting your kid play on the freeway.” In his experience in promoting such races as the Battle of Primm in Nevada and the Midnight Special in Ridgecrest, his crew regularly puts up fences, posts “Do not enter” signs and sometimes even installs rails to keep spectators away from the course. None of these precautions was in place at the California 200.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California off-road accident, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers have the experience to help you recover your lost wages, medical expenses and other accident-related costs. Call 888-848-5084 to schedule a free consultation today.

Resource links:
LA Times: Federal agency to probe deadly accident at California 200
CNN: California Patrol: Driver in deadly race crash will not face charges

Slick roads may have been a contributing factor in a three-vehicle auto accident that claimed the lives of five people and sent six more to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The accident occurred recently on Interstate 5 near Newhall Pass just before midnight when a Mazda pickup truck spun out of control, struck the center divider and overturned. A Nissan Altima with six occupants was traveling behind the truck at an estimated 60 mph when the driver of the truck lost control.

The Altima’s driver attempted to avoid striking the truck and veered to the right, but was unable to avoid colliding with the overturned pickup. A Chevrolet Suburban behind the Nissan was traveling at 50 mph and was unable to avoid striking the Nissan. The four people riding in the Suburban were injured including the driver who was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. California Highway Patrol officers investigating the accident said that heavy rainfall that evening and slick roads could have prevented the drivers of the Nissan and Suburban from stopping in time to avoid the collisions.

If you or someone you care for has been injured or lost in an auto accident, Long Beach auto accident lawyer Samer Habbas may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Mr. Habbas is a California auto accident attorney with many years of experience helping people recover damages to help pay for medical bills, lost wages and other accident-related expenses. Call 888.848.5084 today to schedule a free consultation with Southern California auto accident attorney Samer Habbas. He can explain the laws that apply in plain language so that you and your family can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you.

Resource link: 5 Killed, 6 Injured in Three-Vehicle Auto Accident on Interstate 5