Street racing, also known as drag racing, is a crime in the state of Illinois. If you suffered injuries in an area where drivers were attempting to race on a public street, contact our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Chicago street racing lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and help you potentially receive compensation for your injuries.
Types of Street Racing
There are several ways in which the state of Illinois may charge a person with street racing or drag racing. If you are driving near an area where people are street racing, you may become injured due to these driver’s negligence and recklessness on the roadways. Some of the ways that the state of Illinois defines street racing include the following:
- Two or more vehicles line up next to each other and accelerate in an attempt to outdistance each other;
- Two or more vehicles compete to see which vehicle can travel the same route the fastest;
- One vehicle is a barricade and attempts to prevent another vehicle from passing a different vehicle;
- One vehicle attempts to arrive at a specific destination faster than another vehicle;
- A driver attempts to test their physical endurance or stamina by driving a vehicle over a long period of time or distance.
Criminal Charges
The state of Illinois takes street racing seriously, and if a driver uses any vehicle for street racing, they will receive a charge of a Class B misdemeanor. A second charge could result in a Class A misdemeanor charge. A Class A misdemeanor for a first offense has a minimum fine of $250, plus up to one year in jail plus mandatory court costs. Additionally, the driver charged with street racing will lose their driving privileges for an indefinite term. In fact, in order to regain those driving privileges, the person must appear for an administrative hearing before the Secretary of State of Illinois and demonstrate that they are no longer a risk to public safety. However, if the street racing incident results in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another victim, there may be a charge of Aggravated Street Racing. Aggravated Street Racing is a Class 4 Felony and carries a possible sentence including jail time of one to 12 years.
For a free legal consultation with a Street Racing Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Dangers of Street Racing
Illegal street racing typically involves drivers that are not interested in safety and ensuring the protection of either drivers or other motorists on the roadways. Many vehicles used in street racing include additional features that modify a vehicle in such a way that they can go faster on the roadways. The drivers involved in street racing typically never wear a fire suit or have any kind of professional training regarding the handling of high-performance vehicles in racing situations. Oftentimes, the fact that these races take place on public roads that are well-traveled by the public only increases the risk of injury to themselves and other motorists or pedestrians.
In most cases, accidents involving street racing include vehicles traveling at high rates of speed causing catastrophic impacts and substantial damage. Drivers in street races are intentionally driving at high rates of speed and oftentimes lose control of their vehicles or are unable to stop quickly when necessary. High rates of speed inherently cause decreased reaction times and make it impossible to completely control a vehicle and avoid crashes or in some cases, rollovers.
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Types of Injuries Related to Street Racing
Every street racing accident is different, however, due to the severity of many crashes involved with street racing, the injuries can be severe, or even fatal. Some of the types of injuries that may occur to other motorists and pedestrians due to street racing may include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Nerve damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Aortic dissection
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding or internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
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Determining Liability
If a victim suffers injuries as a result of illegal street racing, determining liability must occur in order to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A driver on the roadways owes a duty of care to other motorists and pedestrians that includes following the laws such as speed limits and obeying traffic laws. An independent investigation can reveal which drivers acted with negligence or recklessness by engaging in illegal street racing resulting in serious injuries or death.
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Compensation
In many personal injury cases, a victim may receive compensation from the negligent party for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Every personal injury case related to street racing is different and will, therefore, have different types of possible compensation available to a victim depending on the circumstances.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today for Help
Street racing is a crime in the state of Illinois. Illegal street racing is not only illegal but dangerous and oftentimes deadly. Some people may consider street racing a form of entertainment, but it can cost innocent victims their physical and emotional health, or even their lives.
If you suffered injuries as a result of someone’s reckless decision to illegally street race in the state of Illinois, contact our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 so a Chicago street racing lawyer can review the details of your case, help you ensure that your legal rights remain protected, and help you with your next steps. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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