On Monday at about 5:30 p.m., a horrific crash in Orange County took the lives of five teenagers. According to ABC News, the solo vehicle accident happened on Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, just north of Island Lagoon. The teenagers, all reportedly from Irvine, were in the Infiniti when it left the roadway and slammed into a tree in the center median. The car split in half and caught fire. Four of the teens were ejected and one was partially ejected from the vehicle. Four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene and the fifth died at the hospital. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and anyone with information should contact the Newport Beach Police Department at (949) 644-3681.
The Orange County Accident Scene
The stretch of Jamboree Road in Newport Beach where the accident occurred is slightly curved and would appear to have few cross-streets for some distance. It would seem this area of the roadway would be tempting for a young driver to speed. While the approximate speed of the Infiniti is unknown, the accident investigation will likely include a speed calculation. It would seem from the severity of the impact that the driver was likely traveling at a high rate of speed. The Infiniti vehicle, with likely more than 320 hp, would certainly be capable of attaining a dangerously high speed in a relatively short distance. Whether drugs or alcohol played a role is another factor to be determined by the law enforcement investigation.
Teen Driving and Accident Rates
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers here in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle accidents in 2010. Taking into account miles driven, teen drivers are three times more likely than drivers 20 years or older to be involved in a fatal crash. Teen drivers who are carrying teen passengers are at an even greater risk. In spite of these facts being well-publicized, accidents like the one above happen all too often.
If you have been injured or a loved one killed in an auto accident, contacting an Orange County personal injury attorney may be the first step to obtaining civil justice and some measure of compensation.
SOURCE: Crash kills 5 teens in Newport Beach; car split in half, burst into flames, ABC News, Orange County, May 28, 2013, by Amy Powell
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