Street-Racing Crashes: The Deadly Cost of Illegal Speed
Illegal street racing has become a dangerous and far too common activity on the streets of Southern California. These high-speed contests often end in catastrophic accidents, causing severe property damage, devastating injuries, and, tragically, wrongful deaths.
Woodland Hills Street-Racing Incident
On November 1, 2016, the city of Woodland Hills—located in the northern part of Los Angeles—witnessed a multi-vehicle collision believed to be the result of an illegal street race. Several people were injured and transported to a nearby hospital. One of the vehicles involved was a 2015 McLaren 650S Spider, a luxury supercar worth over $300,000 with the capability of exceeding 200 mph. The car was completely totaled.
Witnesses reported that the crash occurred at speeds of 70–80 mph in a 25 mph school zone. Incredibly, no fatalities were reported in this particular incident. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for a street-racing crash in Woodland Hills on June 27, 2016, which claimed multiple lives.
Street Racing Across the U.S.
The dangers of street racing are not limited to California. On November 2, 2016—just one day after the Woodland Hills crash—a race involving a 23-year-old driver and a 17-year-old teenager in Philadelphia led to the death of a three-year-old girl. Such tragedies highlight how street racing endangers not just participants, but innocent bystanders as well.
The History Behind Street Racing
Street racing in the United States has roots going back to the 1960s. In an effort to appeal to younger buyers, American automakers began producing high-performance “muscle cars.” With a lack of accessible legal racetracks, public roads became the de facto venue for these high-speed showdowns—most famously along Woodward Avenue in Michigan. Decades later, the illegal practice continues, with modern cars capable of even greater speeds and destructive potential.
Legal Complexities in Street-Racing Wrongful Death Cases
Street-racing wrongful death cases are legally complex. Insurance companies frequently refuse to pay damages, arguing that deaths caused by illegal street racing are the result of intentional reckless disregard for human life—a category often excluded from coverage. In contrast, insurers typically only pay for wrongful deaths caused by negligence, not deliberate acts of recklessness.
Because of these challenges, families of street-racing wrongful death victims should immediately consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. A skilled lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, secure crucial evidence, and pursue all available legal avenues to obtain justice and compensation for the victim’s family.
Take Action
If you have lost a loved one in a street-racing crash, time is critical. An experienced attorney can help navigate the legal obstacles, hold those responsible accountable, and push for changes that may prevent future tragedies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation.