Street Racing Accidents and Injuries

Street racing is illegal. It has been glamorized in movies and is becoming more common on our streets.

This type of activity puts those participating in danger. It also puts innocent bystanders and motorists in peril as well.

There is the potential for injury anytime this reckless behavior occurs.

The injuries can be devastating and life-changing.

If you were injured in a street racing accident in Nevada please call the best car crash lawyers in Neavda at Richard Harris Law Firm.

There are laws in Nevada that prohibit this type of activity.

Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.653 makes it illegal to facilitate or organize any type of speed driving contest or trick driving display.

The penalties are stiff. Unfortunately, the popularity of street racing is on the rise and does not seem to be going away anytime soon.

What is Street Racing?

This is an illegal form of motor racing occurring on mostly public roadways.

It has been around since the beginning of the motor vehicle.

Street racing has gone through many phases throughout the decades.

Hot rods, muscle cars, Japanese imports, and sports cars have all had their moments.

It is a serious hazard to drivers, passengers, and innocent bystanders.

It is usually done on uncrowded city streets.

Some of these races are highly organized. Police scanners, 2-way radios, and cell phones are commonly used to communicate police locations.

These are unsanctioned and highly dangerous events that can have serious consequences and injuries.

Penalties for Illegal Street Racing

Nevada considers street racing reckless driving.

There are serious penalties for this illegal activity.

The penalties will increase with each offense.

This is meant to be a deterrent to those considering street racing in the future.

NRS 484B.653 refers to this as “unauthorized speed contest.”

First Offense: Fine: $250-$1,000, Community Service: 50–99 hours, Driver’s License Suspension: 6–24 months, Impoundment of Vehicle for up to 15 days, Possible Jail Time up to 6 months. The first offense is considered a misdemeanor.
Second Offense: Fine: $1,000-$1500, Community Service: 100–199 hours, Driver’s License Suspension: 6–24 months, Impoundment of Vehicle for up to 30 days, Possible Jail Time up to 6 months. The second offense is considered a misdemeanor.
Third Offense: Fine: $1,500-$2000, Community Service: 200+ hours, Driver’s License Suspension: 6–24 months, Impoundment of Vehicle for up to 30 days, Possible Jail Time up to 6 months. The third offense is considered a misdemeanor.

When Does Street Racing Become a Felony Charge?

Street racing punishments become a Category B felony if there is considerable injury or a fatality.

Fines increase from $2000 up to $5000.

Prison time increases as well. It can be up to 10 years if a driver is going 50 mph over the speed limit.

The fines and penalties can double if there are pedestrians involved.

If the street racing occurs in safety or work zones, penalties will also be increased.

Law enforcement will coordinate with Nevada DMV and local PD when impounding vehicles and suspending licenses.

They use drones and high-visibility patrols to find these meeting places where these races occur.

Understanding Street Racing Claims

These claims are different from other personal injury claims.

The two most critical factors include the collection of evidence, and determining liability.

Who is ultimately responsible for the crash, and is there proof?

Collection of Evidence: Street racing accidents can be chaotic. Collecting the evidence to prove your case will be necessary. It is vital to call 911 and get law enforcement to arrive at the scene. Evidence of the race will involve tire skid marks, paint transfers, debris, and other damages at the scene. There may be camera footage available from a nearby source. Witnesses will often have recordings on their phones from the street race. It may be possible to get a warrant for the Event Data Recorder (EDR) of the cars involved. Many of the modern vehicles have these. Interviewing witnesses can lead to valuable information. Cell phone data of witnesses and those involved can also be important to building your case.

Determining Liability: A street race accident can happen in an instant. Hit-and-run accidents are common. This makes it difficult to determine who is liable for the accident. Getting personal information from those involved can be hard to do. There may be private security cameras in the area. Police cameras can also be helpful to the case. License plates can be captured with other valuable information that can show who was responsible. There are often many different factors that cause injury. Having legal representation to guide you through the process is recommended.

Injuries from a Street Racing Accident

Street racing is dangerous to anyone driving or involved in it. This includes drivers and bystanders. Accidents tend to happen at high speeds well above the legal limit.

These races often occur on roads not meant to be raced on. Debris and cracks in the pavement can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Street racing can cause injuries far exceeding your typical fender bender.

TBI: A traumatic brain injury is caused by a hard hit or jolt to the head. This can happen in an accident when the head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. It can also occur from whiplash and acceleration of the car. Drivers will step on the gas and accelerate when street racing. Penetrating wounds can also be the cause of TBI. Glass or steel fracturing the skull can cause serious brain damage. After a head injury, the trauma can cause swelling and hemorrhaging. Symptoms of TBI can be wide-ranging. Headaches, vomiting, and dizziness are some of the milder symptoms. Loss of consciousness, seizures, and coma are more severe examples. Long-term health issues can occur in these situations. This can be life-changing.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can be devastating and are common in high-speed car crashes. An uncontrolled collision can be catastrophic. Injuries to the back and spine can cause a complete, or incomplete injury. When the injury is complete there is a total loss of motor and sensory functions. Nerve pathways can get severed in an accident. An incomplete injury will have the nerve fibers still functioning. Rehabilitation and recovery are possible.

High-velocity impacts can cause rollovers and ejection. Debris can penetrate the spinal area and cause serious injury. Spinal shock can mask the injury when it occurs. Spine injuries can cause respiratory issues. Breathing may become difficult and need ventilator support. Some spine injuries can cause loss of movement and feeling in limbs. This will be life-altering. Long-term care will be needed when spinal injuries are severe.

Bone Breaks: Injuries from street racing are often caused by accelerating and then abruptly crashing. This impact to the body can be traumatic. Bones can fracture when there is too much pressure put on them. Injuries to the femur can be fatal. Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvic bones are common when speeds reach over 80 mph. Compound fractures occur when the bone protrudes through the skin.

This is dangerous because of the germs that can cause infection later. Ribs can puncture lungs and pelvic injuries can cause hemorrhaging and organ damage. None of this sounds good, does it? High speeds and high impacts can be catastrophic. Street racing accidents have the potential to have more severe injuries than most car crashes.

Soft Tissue Trauma: A car accident can cause muscle contusions, tears, and deep bruising. High-speed crashes can cause serious injury to the quadriceps, rotator cuff, and hamstrings. Whiplash is common in car crashes. Neck ligaments can tear. Ankle and knee sprains and tears occur when hyperextension occurs from a crash.

Lacerations from blunt force trauma can cause bleeding. Metal and glass can get into wounds. Soft tissue injuries can be painful and leave scarring. It is important to properly clean cuts and lacerations to avoid infection. Always seek medical attention for injuries. Complications can occur if injuries are not properly treated.

Chest and Stomach Injuries: When a car decelerates at high speed there will be a major force of energy when there is an accident. Chest injuries like rib fractures and contusions can affect the lungs and cause respiratory failure. A hard impact on the steering wheel can cause the sternum to crack.

Hemorrhaging can occur in the chest area after an accident. The stomach area is vulnerable in street racing crashes. The liver and kidneys can become lacerated, and bleeding can occur. Abdominal organs can herniate into the chest area. These injuries can be life-threatening.

Amputations: These injuries are among the most devastating. Losing a full or partial limb can occur when a body part is mangled or pinned in a crash. This is a medical emergency situation because of the bleeding and shock of the person. In some accidents, the limb is removed due to the damage to the bones and vascular system. Removing the limb can save a person’s life. Amputations are traumatic, both physically and mentally.

Burn Injuries: Engines can ignite in flames when a crash occurs from street racing. Fuel line leaks coming in contact with electrical components can cause an explosion. Burns can be first, second, or third degree. With third degree being the worst. Nerves are destroyed and skin grafting will be necessary. Burns are extremely painful and can lead to disfiguration, and scarring. Surgery and intensive care will be required. Rehabilitation will be ongoing.

Bystander and Spectator Injuries That Occur from Street Racing Accidents

Street racing accidents can cause a lot of damage. Drivers and passengers aren’t the only ones in danger. Innocent bystanders and spectators can find themselves injured as well.

Out of control vehicles can hit them. Debris and car parts can come flying out of nowhere after a crash, causing blunt force trauma injuries. Burns and lacerations from explosions and fire can do serious harm. Watching a violent street racing accident can also cause psychological trauma.

If you were injured as an innocent bystander, there are several parties that could be liable. Those doing the street racing, of course, are the obvious ones. Anyone who organized, promoted, or coordinated the races can be partly responsible.

If property owners were aware that illegal street racing was occurring on their land, they may share some of the liability. In some cases, the city and local government can be held liable for knowing about the races and failing to stop them.

If You Were Injured in Street Racing Crash Call Richard Harris

Every street race injury case will have their own unique set of circumstances.

A full investigation will be able to determine who is liable.

Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can be beneficial in street racing claims.

There can be many damages from a street racing injury.

Medical Expenses: Getting injured can be costly. If your injury was due to the negligence of another, you should seek compensation. Having a trusted and respected street racing attorney will give you your best chance at having these expenses reimbursed.

Lost Wages: Any time someone gets injured, there is a good possibility that they will lose time at work. Lost time at work will usually mean lost income. We will seek to get you all of your lost wages now and in the future.

Pain and Suffering: Street racing accidents can be both physically painful and emotionally traumatic. Once we take a look at all the evidence of your claim, we will then seek the compensation for what you deserve.

Street racing accidents can be complex.

It will be important to have an attorney that understands these types of injury claims.