Street racing, also known as drag racing, is illegal in the state of California. Specifically, California made all street racing and even spectating street races illegal under California Vehicle Code 23109.
The danger to anyone on the roadways when street racing occurs is substantial. If you suffered injuries due to another driver street racing, our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm could help. Call (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Los Angeles street racing lawyer might be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Street Racing in California
There are several ways that cars may engage in street racing, but all of them involve reckless endangerment of other motorists on the roadways. Street racing can cause serious injuries and even death.
Criminal Charges
If you engage in any kind of street racing or watch street racing as a spectator, you may receive any of the following penalties in the state of California under either Vehicle Code 23109 VC (drag racing and speed contests) or Vehicle Code 23103 (reckless driving).
- Arrest for a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts and circumstances of the street racing incident
- Impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days
- Imprisonment for up to three months if convicted
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Revocation of driver’s license up to six months
- Forty hours of community service
It is important to note that if a police officer arrests a driver for street racing, the driver may also face charges of reckless driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if appropriate. If the driver has previous charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or street racing on their record, the penalties may increase substantially.
In addition, if another person is injured due to someone’s street racing, the perpetrator could be punished by imprisonment for 30 days to six months, by a fine of $500 to $1,000, or by both.
Street Racing Dangers
Many people involved in street racing are doing it for fun, and never expect that they may permanently injure or kill another motorist.
However, any type of street racing is illegal and ultimately shows a complete disregard for the safety of other motorists on the roadways. In the end, innocent victims that happen upon such street races are the ones who suffer catastrophic injuries or even death. The racers traveling at inappropriate and illegal speeds cannot stop in time to ensure the safety of others on the roadways.
Injuries Related to Street Racing Accidents
Street racing accidents can result in severe injuries as the vehicles travel at exceptionally high speeds, making crashes with other vehicles catastrophic. Of course, every street racing accident will have its own set of facts and circumstances that will determine the severity and extent of the victims’ injuries.
The injuries that occur due to street racing and head-on collisions and t-boning accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Aortic dissection
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
If you sustained injuries, or a loved one died due to a street racer’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to see if a Los Angeles street racing lawyer might be able to help you.
For a free legal consultation with a Street Racing Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Determining Liability in Street Racing Accidents
Drivers on the roadway always have a responsibility and a duty of care to operate their cars in a safe and appropriate manner. Street racing is illegal due to the inherent danger it presents to innocent bystanders and motorists on the roadways.
After a street racing accident, an independent investigation will make a full determination regarding which street racer, or street racers, acted negligently or recklessly. In many street racing accident cases, more than one driver will remain liable and responsible for the injuries suffered by victims.
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Compensation for Street Racing Injuries
Car accidents sometimes allow for victims to receive compensation for losses due to bodily injury, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Transportation costs
If a street racer caused the death of a loved one, you could be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. You could also receive compensation for funeral costs and other expenses related to the death of your loved one.
When car accidents involve street racing, there may also be an opportunity for a victim to receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are additional compensation awarded by a judge or jury specifically intended to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior or reckless disregard for safety and human life. Additionally, punitive damages work to dissuade other possible street racers from engaging in the same or similar activities, thus attempting to prevent future injuries to other innocent motorists, pedestrians, and others on the roadway.
Statute of Limitations
There are time limits in California to seek compensation through personal injury and wrongful death claims.
For personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident that caused the injury, or one year from when you discover the injury. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit is two years from the date of your loved one’s death.
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Consider a Los Angeles Street Racing Lawyer
Street racing is dangerous and illegal. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or death due to street racing, consider contacting our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Los Angeles street racing lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, and assist you in your attempt to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
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