Racers can be held accountable through criminal and civil actions
Illegal street racing has been a problem in Los Angeles County for decades, and it seems that the advent of social media has only made matters worse.
According to representatives of the LAPD’s former Street Racing Team, racing contests have become more frequent and more aggressive in recent years as car clubs and individual racers increasingly make use of Instagram and Facebook to draw huge numbers of drivers and fans into LA County. Some contests have involved nearly 500 racers.
Whether a street race is pre-arranged by drivers or simply initiated on the spur of the moment, there is very real potential for innocent people to become seriously injured or even killed. Unfortunately, we do not have accurate statistics to refer to here because authorities are not yet tracking racing accidents, injuries, and deaths. However, it is not hard to find examples that show just how deadly street racing can be.
Just a few months ago, one particularly nasty street racing accident took place on the 5 Freeway in Commerce. Three people were killed when racer Dealio Lockhart lost control of his Dodge Charger, causing a UPS truck to fly over the center median. In total, six cars were involved in the late-night accident and four other people were injured. The other racer has not been identified.
Street racing has so far proven difficult for law enforcement to control. While there is some hope that recent discussions regarding the formation of a county-wide task force could make a difference, right now we seem stuck reacting to rather than preventing street racing accidents.
After an accident, there are two ways racers can be held responsible for the injuries and suffering they have caused:
Criminal Action: It is not uncommon for racers to be charged with murder and/or other charges following street racing accidents. For example, Dealio Lockhart is currently facing three counts of murder and assorted other charges following the 5 Freeway racing accident.
Civil Action: Street racers can also be targeted with civil actions with help from a car accident injury lawyer. Any kind of street racing easily qualifies as negligence, making both the drivers liable for any injuries that may be caused as a result of their actions.
If you have been injured as a result of street racing, you can rest assured the county will be working hard to prosecute the racers. But do not forget that you also deserve compensation for your injuries and for their impact on your quality of life and your future. Attorney Fernando D. Vargas can help. Attorney Vargas has ample experience in securing compensation for the most severe car accident injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations, and he can help you too. Call 909-982-0707 now to request a free initial consultation.
