NY Street Racing Accidents and Injuries

The thrill of the chase, the roar of the engine, the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Street racing can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. In New York City, where streets are densely populated and traffic is heavy, street racing can have devastating consequences.

What is Street Racing?

Street racing is the act of racing cars on public roads, often at high speeds. It is illegal in all 50 states, including New York. Street racers often ignore traffic laws and safety precautions, putting themselves and others at risk. In 2021, there were over 1,000 complaints of illegal racing in New York City. These accidents resulted in numerous injuries and deaths.

Street racing is incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. First, street racers often drive at high speeds, which gives them less time to react to hazards and avoid accidents. Second, street racers often ignore traffic laws, such as red lights and stop signs, which further increases the risk of a collision. Third, street racers often modify their cars in ways that make them less safe, such as removing airbags and safety belts.

Legal Consequences

Those who engage in street racing face severe legal repercussions, ranging from fines to imprisonment. More importantly, if you are a victim of an accident caused by street racing, you are entitled to pursue legal action. Levitsky Law Firm PLLC focuses on handling cases related to personal injuries. Our knowledgeable team is well-equipped to assist you in navigating the complex legal landscape to safeguard your rights.

The Dangers of Street Racing in Dense Urban Areas

Street racing in New York is not limited to expressways or remote industrial areas. In fact, much of the illegal racing activity occurs on city streets, where the risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers are significantly higher. Brooklyn, in particular, experiences frequent complaints about reckless driving at night, including unregulated racing near parks, residential areas, and school zones. These densely populated environments amplify the danger, as drivers have little room to correct mistakes, and bystanders often become unintended victims. Unlike organized races, illegal street events lack medical support, traffic control, or any meaningful safety oversight, increasing the severity of resulting injuries.

Common Injuries Resulting from Street Racing Crashes

Street racing often causes multi-vehicle collisions, especially when racers attempt to weave through traffic or run red lights at high speed. Victims may suffer spinal cord damage, skull fractures, brain trauma, compound fractures, crushed limbs, and permanent disability. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that victims require long-term care, mobility aids, or multiple surgeries. The recovery process is expensive and physically exhausting. Even minor victims, such as passengers or nearby pedestrians, can be catastrophically harmed when a car loses control. Due to the high velocity involved, injuries from these incidents are typically more severe than those seen in regular traffic accidents.

Legal Rights of Victims in Street Racing Accidents

Victims of street racing collisions in New York have the right to pursue civil claims for financial compensation. While the street racer may face criminal charges, the victim must file a separate civil action to recover medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering. In Brooklyn and throughout the city, courts recognize the recklessness involved in these cases and may allow victims to recover full damages if liability is clearly established. The Levitsky Law Firm focuses on gathering documentation such as accident scene photos, surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and law enforcement records to support your civil claim.

How Comparative Fault May Affect Your Case

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. This can be especially relevant in street racing cases if insurance companies argue that you were speeding, distracted, or improperly positioned on the road. Working with an experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer helps ensure that fault is appropriately allocated. Levitsky Law Firm uses detailed accident reconstruction and witness testimony to highlight the street racer’s primary liability and reduce any unjust blame assigned to the victim.

The Role of Insurance and Documentation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in street racing claims. They may dispute the extent of injuries, delay payment, or argue that medical treatments were unnecessary. Prompt documentation is key. Victims should obtain immediate medical attention, keep all billing records, and avoid making statements to insurers without legal guidance. In New York, your case may also involve uninsured or underinsured driver issues if the racer fled the scene or lacked coverage. Levitsky Law Firm can help pursue compensation through every available channel, including uninsured motorist coverage, third-party liability, or even municipal claims when applicable.

Start Your Journey with Levitsky Law Firm PLLC

Street racing accidents are avoidable tragedies that change lives forever. While we can’t turn back time, what we can do is help victims navigate the legal complexities to ensure they get the justice they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident, it’s imperative to seek legal advice immediately. The personal injury lawyers at Levitsky Law Firm stand ready to provide expert legal counsel. Don’t bear the brunt of someone else’s recklessness—take action today and secure your future.