Illegal street racing places individuals in Arizona and across the country at risk of personal injury. Law enforcement is cracking down on this unlawful activity for the protection of all individuals. Offenders face serious consequences like confiscation of their vehicles, heavy fines, loss of their driver’s licenses and the possibility of arrest.
Illegal street racers experience opposition from the law because their actions have harmed thousands of people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that illegal street racing was the cause for 135 fatal deaths in 2001 alone. Additionally, the NHTSA has reported that motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of fatalities for people ages 16 to 20. When illegal street racing is thrown into the mix, injuries and fatalities can grow even more frequent.
In Arizona, illegal street racing is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and if the participant is a repeat offender within 24 months of the first offense, they may be guilty of a Class 6 felony. The offender faces a number of penalties, from fines to possible jail sentences. Although these laws do make an impact on the street racing population, innocent pedestrians and other drivers can still be injured by reckless drivers. Medical expenses might be high, and insurance may not cover the full amount owed. In these cases, it could be beneficial for victims to consider a personal injury lawyer.
Someone who has experienced a serious injury due to another driver’s negligence may be eligible for additional compensation. Relieving the victim’s pain and suffering is of paramount importance to the law when the other party has participated in an illegal activity like street racing. A personal injury lawyer could help the victim negotiate with insurance companies, civil courts and other parties.
Source: NHRA, “Take it to the track,” Accessed April 13, 2015