Street Racing and Negligence Per Se

Popularized by movies such as The Fast and the Furious, street racing is a public safety threat that’s grown dramatically in recent years.

Street racing is illegal in Texas, and for good reason. It is perhaps the worst form of reckless driving, leaving many accident victims with devastating injuries, and even causes loss of life.

When a driver who is street racing causes a collision, he’s guilty of negligence per se.

Dangers of Street Racing

In professional car racing, drivers wear protective gear; high walls separate spectators from the action; and emergency personnel are standing by, just in case. Despite all of these precautions, serious collisions and injuries still occur, so it’s no surprise that illegal races on city streets often end tragically.

Further adding to the danger, race participants are often young, with limited driving experience. When they lose control of their vehicles, other motorists, pedestrians, and onlookers are in jeopardy. Typical injuries caused by street racing include:

  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burn injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Street Racing Is Illegal in Texas

Defined by law as a speed contest, competition, or race, street racing is prohibited by section 545.420 of the Texas transportation code. When street racing injures innocent victims, the at-fault driver is guilty of negligence per se.

Drivers are forbidden from using public roads to participate in:

  • A race
  • A vehicle speed contest or competition
  • A drag race or acceleration contest
  • A test of the vehicle operator’s endurance

You Need an Attorney

If a driver engaged in street racing has injured you or someone in your family, you need an experienced attorney who will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. This may include damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and punitive damages.

To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

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