A 19-year-old woman who died from injuries suffered in a Los Angeles car accident the night of January 18, 2010, has been identified by local authorities as Estephani Orduna. The Associated Press reports that Orduna was riding in a Ford Mustang when the driver, 19-year-old Jesus Lopez, lost control of the car and crashed.

Lopez was apparently racing a Honda Civic near downtown Los Angeles. Lopez lost control when the driver of the Honda Civic pulled in front of the Mustang and braked. Orduna sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Lopez is facing vehicular manslaughter charges while police are still looking for the driver of the Honda Civic who fled the scene of the fatal car crash.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Estephani Orduna for their devastating and untimely loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers.

Car Accidents in Los Angeles

There were 260 fatalities and 27,110 injuries involving car accidents in the city of Los Angeles, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics in 2007. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents in 2007.

Car Accident Laws in California

This was no doubt a tragic, unnecessary accident, which absolutely did not have to happen. Street racing on a public roadway is illegal under California Vehicle Code section 23109 (a). Lopez is facing manslaughter charges because his reckless action caused Orduna's death. I hope the other driver, who was engaged in this illegal, irresponsible speed contest, is also apprehended and brought to justice. That person will also, very likely be charged with felony hit-and-run for leaving the scene of the accident, which is prohibited under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

Victims (or their families) in such cases would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who has an excellent track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. Victims or their families may also be able to file a claim for compensation through the uninsured/underinsured clause of their own car insurance policy. This is an option in hit-and-run cases or in incidents where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.