Drag Racing in the Street Can Lead to Personal Injuries
Drag racing can be dangerous even in a controlled and regulated setting, which is why it is illegal to do in the street. In November, one driver was killed at the Yello Belly Drag Strip, CBS DFW reported. The driver was racing his 1980s Thunderbird when his competitor lost control of his Mustang and caused a crash. He ultimately hit a tree and was ejected from the vehicle. His competitor also struck a tree and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Drag racing is a risky sport, which is why Texas strictly prohibits unregulated street racing. Drivers who choose to race on public streets can easily lose control of their vehicles, causing accidents that lead to injuries and death. If you were in a car crash caused by someone speeding or racing, contact the personal injury attorneys at our law firm today for assistance with your case.
Texas Law Regarding Street Racing Can Support Your Negligence Claim
When you are injured in a crash caused by unlawful street racing, in which you were not participating, you can use this information as evidence of the other driver’s negligence. Illegal activity behind the wheel can be proof that the driver did not uphold his or her duty to keep other drivers and passengers on the road safe, a duty by which every driver is required to abide. The Texas Transportation Code §545.420 states that no one may participate in any way in:
- A race;
- A vehicle speed competition or content;
- A drag race or acceleration contest;
- An exhibition of a vehicle’s speed or acceleration in connection to a drag race;
- An attempt to make a vehicle speed record; or
- A test of the operator’s physical endurance while driving.
If you were injured by someone you believe was illegally racing, it is important you understand what each of these terms means under Texas law. The driver may think he or she was not street racing, however, the law may support your claim for personal injury damages based on negligence. For example, to race means the use of one or more vehicles to try to:
- Outgain or outdistance another vehicle or to prevent another vehicle from passing;
- Arrive at a specific destination before another vehicle; or
- Test the physical stamina or endurance of the driver over a long-distance route.
A drag race means the use of:
- Two or more vehicle, side by side, accelerating in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other; or
- One or more vehicles on a selected course, starting at the same place and ending at the same place, for the purpose of comparing speed or acceleration for a specific time or distance.
If you believe the driver who caused your accident was racing, inform the police at the time of the accident. Additionally, tell your personal injury attorney your suspicions. Your lawyer will investigate the situation to gather evidence to support your claim of the driver’s negligence to insurance companies or in court.
Contact the Bettersworth Law Firm Today
Driving is fun and it is more than a simple form of transportation to many people. However, it is possible for individuals to get behind the wheel of their cars and get carried away. A little competition on the road can be dangerous and deadly. If you were hurt by someone attempting to illegally race or drag race, contact the passionate New Braunfels personal injury lawyers of the Bettersworth Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
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