Street Racing Causing More Crashes, Injuries
Street racing is dangerous, it's illegal, and it's on the rise. In many cases, reckless racers are causing crashes, injuries, and even deaths.
In an alleged street-racing crash in California last week, a 57-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed. Police say the 18-year-old driver who hit him was racing another car when he plowed through an intersection, Los Angeles' KABC-TV reports.
This isn't the first or last time that street racing has claimed lives. Fortunately for victims, there are potential legal routes to recovery.
Street Racing on the Rise
Street racing isn't confined to just car-crazy Los Angeles. In Northern California, police in Oakland have also noted the trend, including a rise in so-called "sideshows." One particular "sideshow" brought traffic to a standstill on a major freeway in January, Oakland's KTVU reports. No one was hurt, but Internet video of the incident went viral.
And it's not just a California problem: Officers from coast to coast, including state troopers in North Carolina, are on alert as well, reports Charlotte's WCCB-TV.
Compensation for Crashes
Luckily, the law provides ample protection to victims of car crashes, especially pedestrians struck by careless drivers.
Here are some common causes of action that can be used to recover from crashes with illegal street racers:
- Negligence. This is generally found when the driver was acting carelessly behind the wheel and caused injury and/or property damage.
- Negligence per se. A street racer whose speed far exceeds the posted speed limit can sometimes be found guilty of negligence just by breaking the law.
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress. This claim allows a victim to recover if the negligent street racer caused emotional distress, as long as there was a medical injury.
With any of these legal claims, a victim of a crash can potentially receive compensation for medical bills, damage to property or vehicles, and even lost wages. To figure out the best way to pursue a street racing lawsuit, you may want to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer near you.
Related Resources:
- Street Racers Sentenced for Crash Killings (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Pedestrian Accidents Resources (FindLaw)
- 5 Things You Shouldn't Do After a Car Accident (FindLaw's Injured)
- Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney (LosAngelesCarAccident-Attorney.com)
