New Evidence Surfaces in Michael B. Jordan Car Crash

A brief video clip of the actor’s December 2, 2023 car crash in Los Angeles shows him racing another Ferrari in the moments before he crashed into a parked car.

The video shows two cars, one of which was allegedly driven by the “Creed” star, speeding together along Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. It also shows the dark blue Ferrari crashing into several parked cars, including a Kia. Jordan owns a dark blue Ferrari.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the matter, but no charges have been filed by investigators.

Criminal vs. Civil Court

The video doesn’t show the driver’s face. So, unless a credible eyewitness places Jordan behind the wheel at or near the time of the wreck, this video probably wouldn’t hold up in court, although street racing is very broadly defined in California, as outlined below.

The video, by itself, is not compelling because the burden of proof in criminal cases is so high. Prosecutors must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A blue Ferrari simply doesn’t cut it. 

This same issue arises in hit-and-run car wrecks. Since these cases, like the Jordan alleged street racing case, are so hard to prove, police investigators almost always quickly give up.

However, the burden of proof is only a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) in a civil case. Since Jordan drives a blue Ferrari, it’s more likely than not that Jordan owned the vehicle in the video clip.

It’s also more likely than not that Jordan was driving at the time, especially if no one else had access to the Ferrari.

This burden of proof also affects witness credibility. In criminal court, credibility is very fragile. Any slip-up, and the jury could completely disregard the witness’ testimony. In civil court, witnesses have a greater margin of error. The larger margin of error could work for or against a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

Street Racing and Negligence

Usually, street racing is racing against another vehicle or against a clock. Two vehicles could race against the clock (e.g., who got to school first) at different times or even on different days.

Legally, street racing is an intentional disregard for the safety of other people. Therefore, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can usually obtain additional punitive damages in these cases.

Punitive damages in civil court are much like fines in criminal court, but the purpose is somewhat different. Criminal court fines punish offenders. Civil court punitive damages also punish extreme tortfeasors (negligent drivers). These damages also deter future misconduct. The tortfeasors and people who learn about the case will think twice about racing if a court awards significant punitive damages in a racing-related car accident case

Contact Our California Personal Injury Lawyers

Enhancements, like street racing, could significantly increase the amount of compensation in a car wreck claim. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, contact Attorney Sharona Hakim at the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. We do not charge upfront legal fees for personal injury matters.