Although speed limits may at times seem like hindrances to drivers who need to get to their destinations in timely manners, they exist for important reasons. California laws and regulations dictate how fast drivers may operate their vehicles in certain locations and on different types of roads so that they do not lose control and cause injuries to themselves and others. When drivers ignore these laws, devastating accidents can happen, like one that recently occurred in Berkeley.

The driver of a Tesla was allegedly operating his car above the posted rate of speed on Haste Street. The Tesla crashed into a pick-up truck and a smaller sedan. The sedan, which contained four people, was pushed into several park cars where it eventually caught fire. While two individuals in the front of the sedan were able to escape, the two passengers in the back of the vehicle were trapped and had to be extricated from the flames.

As a result of her injuries one of the backseat victims lost her life. The other was taken to a local hospital and is in critical condition. Though the driver of the Tesla has helped law enforcement officers with their investigation, it is not known if they will face criminal charges for their actions or the victim's death.

A family will now mourn the loss of a loved one as a city cleans up after a devastating and preventable car accident. Too many individuals are affected by the dangerous actions of other drivers, and when personal injuries result from vehicle collisions like this one, compensation may be sought from those whose actions led to the victims' losses.