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Aug 3, 2023
Street racing has become so commonplace in California that elected officials have passed legislation which increases the penalties for such criminal behavior. Street racing is particularly rampant in Southern California and throughout Los Angeles County.
In June 2022, street racers forced police to close the Sixth Street Bridge for three consecutive nights. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a statement noting that “illegal activity” was to blame for the iconic bridge’s closure.
Injuries in street racing and sideshow takeover accidents happen constantly in Los Angeles. In a report from the Los Angeles Daily News in 2022, officials from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the following street racing statistics:
If you’ve been hurt in an illegal street racing accident, it may be necessary to pursue financial compensation to cover things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Under California’s comparative fault system for motor vehicle accidents, all drivers involved in a crash are assigned a percentage of responsibility for an incident. Whether it’s a car, bike, or pedestrian that is struck by a street racing vehicle, a percentage – from 0% to 100% – is then applied to all involved parties. The person taking part in the act of speeding will likely be placed at fault under California’s comparative negligence law. That said, because street racing is an illegal activity, defendants are subject to criminal penalties as well potentially being forced to pay civil damages to injured victims.
Street racing might be best known through the Fast & Furious film franchise. The act is typically defined as using a public roadway to engage in auto racing that is both illegal and unsanctioned. Street racers essentially use public roads as their own personal racetracks. These types of races usually involve two cars, but there can be multiple vehicles at both street races and sideshow takeover events. Cars can reach maximum speeds in just seconds which puts spectators and pedestrians in the vicinity at great risk.
Despite being illegal and the penalties increasing, street racing remains immensely popular and often draws countless spectators as well as users on social media platforms. As street racing is a crime, it must be conducted away from the eye of the law. As a result, street racing has actually become a sophisticated and organized sport (for lack of a better term). Large numbers of people or teams are often needed to pull off a successful street race without law enforcement taking notice. These team members can include lookouts, people to monitor police scanners, location selectors, etc.
Street racing vehicles travel at excessive speeds and expose the driver, any passengers, as well as any pedestrians to grave danger and the possibility of suffering serious and even catastrophic injuries. In fact, it’s not uncommon for tragic deaths to occur at street racing events.
In December 2021, street racing was deemed to be the cause of a fatal pedestrian crash that took the life of a USC student. The victim, a 21-year-old man, was crossing Jefferson Boulevard when he was struck by a speeding Dodge Challenger.
When street racing accidents happen, the injuries can vary from relatively minor to significant to fatal:
These injuries often signify a long and difficult road to recovery which can mean mounting medical bills, time away from work, and intense pain and suffering. But filing a street racing civil lawsuit with Dordulian Law Group can be a means of securing the maximum financial compensation and justice you deserve.
California law makes street racing a crime. Under California Vehicle Code § 23109, street racing is actually defined as a “motor vehicle speed contest.” The law specifically states that:
Due to street racing being a criminal act, the local District Attorney’s Office will likely file charges against the negligent party – typically under reckless driving, endangering human life, speeding, etc.
But it’s important to remember that just because criminal charges may be filed against a street racer, you as an injured victim may also be able to secure a cash settlement by filing a claim in civil court. The experienced street racing injury attorneys at Dordulian Law Group (DLG) are standing by 24/7 to discuss your case. We’re dedicated to fighting aggressively to secure all applicable damages in your claim:
When you contact DLG for a free street racing accident consultation, we’ll review the facts of your case and provide a detailed explanation of all available legal options.
Like the majority of motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents, street racing claims can be brought against:
While winning a street racing case may be more complex and at times difficult than traditional car accidents, a skilled and proven personal injury lawyer from DLG will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure justice.
The main objective in a street racing accident claim is proving negligence. And, as speeding is illegal, this means the right attorney should be able to develop a legal strategy that proves liability.
A good street racing accident legal strategy will aim to:
Street racing cases can be complex, which is why securing the best attorneys available is so important.
Dordulian Law Group (DLG) is one of California’s top-rated and most proven firms with more than 25 years of experience helping injured victims secure the justice and maximum financial compensation they deserve.
We fight aggressively on behalf of all clients. In fact, DLG’s street racing and car accident attorneys have maintained a 98% winning record for more than two decades which has resulted in over $200,000,000.00 in settlements and verdicts going to our clients.
When you’re injured in a street racing accident, you deserve the best legal representation available. Some victims, however, worry about attorney fees and are hesitant to file claims. But with DLG, you never have to be stressed about paying anything out-of-pocket. There’s no fee unless we win your case and secure you a maximized cash settlement. In other words: with DLG, your street racing accident injury claim is risk-free.
Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.
And with an experienced litigator like former prosecutor Sam Dordulian leading the DLG team, you’ll have peace of mind throughout every step of the street racing accident claims process.
Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for your free and confidential California street racing accident injury consultation.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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