Street takeovers have become a troubling trend in Los Angeles, with drivers performing reckless stunts and races on public roads. These incidents endanger the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. A recent incident in South L.A.’s Vermont Vista neighborhood highlights the potential dangers. Three cars attempting to start a California street takeover crashed into a Metro bus, causing a chaotic scene and leaving bystanders shaken.
On Sunday night, just before 11:30 p.m., chaos erupts at the intersection of South Figueroa Street and Century Boulevard. Three vehicles, attempting to initiate a street takeover, collided with a Metro bus that was stopped at a red light. Video footage from the scene showed the aftermath: mangled vehicles, including one car overturned, scattered in front of the bus. Despite the damage and potential injuries, the drivers of the three cars involved in the crash fled the scene.
Authorities are now asking for the public’s help in locating these individuals. If you’ve been injured in such an event, understanding your rights and seeking the help of a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in your recovery and pursuit of justice. Deldar takes you behind the legal scene of street takeovers and explains why they’re so dangerous.
What Is A California Street Takeover?
A California street takeover is an illegal event where groups of people, often organized through social media, gather at a specific location, typically a large intersection, parking lot, or deserted street, to perform and watch dangerous driving stunts. These events can include activities like:
- Burnouts
- Donuts
- Drifting
- Street Racing
Street takeovers are dangerous because they involve high-speed driving, reckless stunts, and a complete disregard for public safety. They often occur without warning, leaving other drivers and pedestrians with little time to react. In the South L.A. incident over Labor Day weekend, the bus was stopped at a red light, a seemingly safe position. Yet, it became an unwitting participant in a street takeover gone wrong. The sudden impact from the cars left it vulnerable and could have resulted in serious injuries to the bus driver, passengers, or nearby pedestrians.
California Street Takeovers In L.A.
From January through late May 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports 176 incidents of street racing. This is a substantial 49% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, there were 190 reports of street takeovers and sideshows during this timeframe. That figure is slightly up from 187 reported during the same period in the previous year.
Law enforcement officials suggest that weak legislation and the influence of social media among young drivers contribute significantly to the persistence and rise of these activities. A California street takeover is often organized and promoted online, making it easier for participants to gather and evade police detection. This growing trend underscores the need for more effective strategies and stricter enforcement to address the public safety risks posed by street racing and takeovers.
Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney
When the drivers involved in a street takeover flee, it can complicate the process of holding them accountable. A personal injury attorney will work with law enforcement and other agencies to track down these individuals and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. This step is crucial for your case but also for public safety. It discourages future illegal street takeovers by holding people accountable.
A California street takeover accident often involve multiple parties. You have the drivers who fled, insurance companies, and possibly even the city. Navigating this complex web of legal responsibilities can be overwhelming. A personal injury attorney will manage everything for you. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney will negotiate on your behalf. The main goal is getting you a fair settlement!
Closing Words
Street takeovers are illegal and dangerous, but victims of these events have rights. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you can protect yourself. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. After addressing your health, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney. Dial Deldar at (844) 335-3271 and we can provide a free consultation to discuss your case.