Street Racing a Possible Cause of Loop 410 Accident
In late December, an eight-car pile-up on Loop 410 in San Antonio left several people injured, with law enforcement reporting that street racing may have been responsible for the collision. Fortunately, none of the injuries were serious in this case, but racing is an extremely dangerous activity that puts everyone on the road at risk of severe injury and even death. Texas law makes street racing a crime, but if you are injured in a car wreck caused by racing drivers, you need an attorney who can help you recover compensation.
Texas Laws Regarding Street Racing
The Texas Transportation Code includes several statutes that may apply when a driver is racing on the road. Street racing often involves driving in excess of the speed limit, for which a driver can be charged with fines up to $300 depending on the miles per hour above the limit. It may also be considered reckless driving, which is defined as operating a vehicle with “wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” and may result in penalties including a $200 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Texas law also specifically prohibits racing on the highway, which includes any contest of speed, acceleration, or a driver’s endurance. This offense is considered at least a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties including fines of up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail. Repeat offenses can result in more significant penalties, and if racing results in injury or death, it is considered at least a third-degree felony.
Personal Injury Claims Involving Racing
Despite potential consequences, some drivers continue to engage in street racing, and if you are injured as a result, you have the right to hold them accountable for your damages. This is true whether you were directly involved in a collision with a racing driver, or the driver’s behavior caused you to run off the road or collide with another vehicle, for example. Accidents at high speeds often result in severe injuries, and you may have a case for significant compensation for the resulting medical expenses and pain and suffering related to the effects of your injuries. In some cases involving street racing, the court may also award punitive damages to deter repeat behavior on the part of the negligent driver.
Contact a New Braunfels Car Crash Attorney
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we believe that everyone should be able to feel safe on the road, and we are committed to holding racers and other negligent drivers accountable for behavior that infringes upon the safety of others. For a free consultation on your case, contact a New Braunfels personal injury lawyer today at 830-443-9193.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/12/28/sapd-racers-allegedly-cause-multi-vehicle-accident-on-loop-410-on-northwest-side/
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.41.htm
