
Drag racing, also called street racing, is a speed or performance competition between motor vehicle drivers on a public roadway. Whether organized or spontaneous, drag racing is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Recently, a drag race accident in Kerrville, Texas led to the deaths of three people, including a 6-year-old child. Seven individuals, including the reckless driver, suffered severe injuries. According to reports, this accident was caused by Michael Gonzales, who was drag racing in his 1990 Ford Mustang and lost control of his vehicle, ramming into spectators.
Why Is Drag Racing So Dangerous?
For car enthusiasts, street racing seems like a lot of fun, but it is an incredibly dangerous activity. Speeding cars can spin out of control and strike other objects or even spectators with great force, causing property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
What to Do If You Are in A Drag Racing Accident
Although street racing is illegal in Texas, the incidents have risen in recent years, resulting in catastrophic crashes. Fortunately, you may be eligible for compensation if you are injured by a driver participating in street or drag racing. When pursuing a legal case, it is always a good idea to talk to a skilled personal injury lawyer about getting fair compensation for your damages.
However, your first step after an accident should be to seek medical attention. Remember, having no visible injuries should not be a reason to avoid seeing a doctor. Many catastrophic injuries take hours or days to show.
Who Is Liable for Drag Racing Accidents?
In a drag racing event, many parties may be held accountable for the accident. Under normal circumstances, the driver participating in the race and the event organizer (if any) are often liable for all damages caused by the race.
Section 545.420 of the Texas Transportation Code prohibits any person from participating in any form of unregulated racing. Even when the driver thinks they were not street racing, they may still be held liable for the accident under this section of the law if an accident occurs as they try to outshine another driver or prevent another vehicle from passing.
In the case involving Michael Gonzales, there are multiple defendants in the lawsuits related to the crash. These include the driver, Jordan Ford dealership, and Flyin’ Diesel Performance. This comes in the wake of predictions made by Vincent Johnson, a St. Mary’s University law professor, who told reporters, “there will be litigation coming out of this,” soon after the accident.
If you were injured in a crash and believe the driver responsible was street racing, it’s essential to share that information with the police and your attorney. Your lawyer could investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to establish if you have a valid case and guide you through the legal steps that follow.
Seek Legal Help if You Have Been Negatively Impacted by Drag Racing
Driving is simply a means of transportation for most people. However, to others, it is more than that. Some people find themselves carried away by the thrill that comes from driving at high speeds or drag racing, endangering their own lives and the lives of other road users.
Drag racing is dangerous even in controlled settings, which is why Texas laws strictly prohibit it. If you have been injured by a driver participating in a drag race, taking the proper steps can help you get fair compensation for the damages suffered.