Author: Jay Howard
If you have ever driven down a highway or road, you may have encountered street racers that zoom past your vehicle at high speeds. These moments are often alarming and worrisome. Although it is unsafe to drive at higher speeds and zig-zag through traffic, many street racers still partake in this activity. When a street racer crashes into a vehicle traveling at a much slower rate, it may lead to severe injuries and unfortunate fatalities.
At Tabbaa Law, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you after an accident caused by street racing. You do not have to file a claim on your own, nor accept a settlement that does not justly compensate for the damage and suffering you have endured. Continue reading to discover how to hold a street racer responsible for your car crash injuries in Georgia.
Is Street Racing Illegal in Georgia?
Georgia law explicitly outlines that it is illegal to drag a race with no regard to the safety of others. What was previously only outlined as illegal to drive recklessly is now updated to include the specific occurrence of reckless stunt driving (Ga. Code § 40-6-390.1) with its expected penalties.
Street racing is illegal in Georgia, and there are financial penalties and jail time for these charges. Depending on the number of occurrences, fines and jail sentences increase. For a first offense, stunt driving is considered a misdemeanor of high degree and includes mandatory ten days in jail, but up to a 6-month sentence with a $300 fine. A reckless stunt driver faces a felony charge with a mandatory one-year jail sentence at the point of a fourth conviction within ten years.
Common Injuries Sustained from a Street Racer Car Crash
Street racers travel at high speeds in a car while racing, increasing the risk for severe injury and damage upon impact with another vehicle. Anyone involved in a car crash with a street racer may suffer short and long-term injuries that affect their daily life and well-being.
High-speed car accidents may cause these injuries:
- Head, neck, back, or spinal injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft-tissue injury and swelling
- Severe muscle damage
- Loss of consciousness or life
- Severe internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Other types of injuries and long-term ailments
Street racing is hazardous because of speed, weaving in and out of traffic, often disobeying traffic laws, and a lack of caution to stop or prevent an accident. Many drivers also choose to partake in street racing during late evenings and where roads seem empty because they think they will not get caught or encounter few drivers. However, decreased visibility, high speeds, and disobeying traffic laws pose a real danger to others on roads and highways.
Are Street Racers Legally Responsible for a Car Accident?
Any accident that is caused by street racing may easily fall under negligence. If you have suffered injuries from a car accident involving a street racer, you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking a skilled Georgia car accident attorney to help your case will maximize a settlement or lawsuit compensation. Street racers should be held responsible for the damage and injuries their actions have caused.
Every driver is licensed and responsible for their actions while driving a motor vehicle. When a driver neglects their duty to act accordingly, such as in partaking in street racing, they are responsible for the cost of injuries and damage they caused. Your lawyer can help you seek compensation from the responsible party’s auto policy. Filing a personal injury claim within the permitted time in Georgia will help you reach the best outcome in your case.
Seeking Compensation for Your Car Crash Injuries
Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver may seek compensation for the injuries and damages endured in the accident. With a skilled lawyer, you can file your claim on time and with all the necessary components for a successful lawsuit in your favor.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia states:
“Actions for injuries to the person shall be brought within two years after the right of action accrues, except for injuries to the reputation, which shall be brought within one year after the right of action accrues, and except for actions for injuries to the person involving loss of consortium, which shall be brought within four years after the right of action accrues.”
Any injured person in Georgia has two years to claim injuries sustained from the liable party’s actions and up to four years to file for compensation for the disruption caused in the relationship or the wrongful death of a spouse. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you gather all the information needed after an accident and ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact Tabbaa Law Firm for Skilled Legal Representation in Your Atlanta Personal Injury Case
Car accidents are frightening and often cause long-term challenges for anyone injured in the accident. If you have recently experienced a car accident and suffered injuries in the event, our skilled lawyer, Sami Tabbaa, can help your case and guide you through the process. Contact our law firm by calling (770) 370-7881 or fill out a contact form, and we will get back to you to schedule a case review.
Auto Accidents