Street Racing And Car Accident Claims
Street racing isn’t just illegal. It can severely complicate car accident liability claims, even when injuries are sustained by someone uninvolved in the racing itself. At Palmintier Law Group, our Baton Rouge, LA car accident lawyer represents clients who have been injured in collisions where street racing is suspected or alleged. These cases demand a close look at police reports, witness statements, and insurance coverage. They also raise deeper questions about how courts assign injury liability in high-speed situations. For many victims, the resulting medical bills and loss of income contribute significantly to the financial burden families face after a serious crash.
Understanding Street Racing Allegations
Street racing typically involves two or more vehicles engaging in competitive high-speed driving on public roads. Even if no charges are filed, an accusation alone can shift how insurance companies and courts interpret fault. We carefully investigate whether there was evidence of racing such as excessive speed, erratic lane changes, tire marks, or eyewitness accounts.
Allegations can also be used strategically by insurers to reduce payouts, especially if the injured party is claimed to be a participant. For example, if you mention you felt like you were going fast, they may try to use that to claim you were racing. We defend our clients from these tactics by focusing on verifiable facts and third-party documentation.
How Liability Is Assigned In These Cases
In Louisiana, liability in car accidents is based on comparative fault. This means multiple drivers can share blame, and compensation is adjusted based on each party’s percentage of fault. In racing-related crashes, this often leads to complications, especially if one driver was speeding but not officially “racing,” or if innocent drivers were caught in the aftermath. For example, if a pedestrian is struck by a swerving vehicle, it needs to be proven whether or not that vehicle was trying to avoid another one. We use traffic reconstruction experts, surveillance footage, and digital vehicle data to support our clients’ version of events.
Insurance Complications With Racing Accidents
Many insurance policies contain exclusions for criminal activity, including street racing. If a driver is proven to have been racing, their insurer may deny coverage entirely. This is especially troubling for injured passengers or bystanders who had no part in the reckless behavior. In such cases, we pursue claims against other involved parties or look into underinsured motorist coverage for additional options.
It’s also common for insurance companies to delay decisions in these cases, citing ongoing investigations. We step in to push for timely processing and protect our clients from unnecessary financial stress.
Addressing The Long-Term Consequences
High-speed crashes frequently result in severe injuries, including spinal cord trauma, brain injuries, and permanent disability. These cases require a forward-looking legal strategy that accounts for current losses and future care needs. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements and understand how to quantify both medical expenses and quality-of-life losses.
We also recognize the financial burden families face after a crash. From hospital bills to lost wages, every cost must be considered. A well-documented legal claim can make the difference between partial recovery and long-term hardship.
Taking Action After A Racing-Related Accident
Palmintier Law Group brings 80 years of combined experience to serious injury cases. We know how to confront defense teams and insurance adjusters when they try to downplay racing allegations or shift blame unfairly. We recommend asking for copies of all police reports and witness statements to help prove you were not racing.
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash where street racing may have been involved, contact Palmintier Law Group to explore your options for financial recovery.