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A Deadly Game: Street Racing Related Car Accidents In Federal Way

Ye Law Firm > Blog > Car Accident > A Deadly Game: Street Racing Related Car Accidents In Federal Way

In January, Federal Way police and emergency responders rushed to Pacific Highway South near Dash Point Way, to the scene of a fatal Washington car accident between a truck and car. This tragic crash absolutely could have been prevented: it was allegedly caused by street racing.

Sadly, the history of street racing is as old as automobiles themselves–it has also been illegal for a very long time. Still, street racing is a far too common occurrence today, despite both its dangers and its serious consequences.

Why is street racing such an issue? Many believe that it is because it is often celebrated in pop culture and film, from action movies to comic books. It’s also alluring for teenage boys and young men, whose developing brains don’t yet understand it’s deadly risk.

Three Ways Street Racing Happens

Street racing occurs in several different ways. In some cases, street racing takes place when a group of people arrange a time and place for a race or series of races–most commonly on rural stretches of local highway and at night. In other cases, street racing might start at a stop light, when two drivers spontaneously agree to race when the signal turns green. Still other cases take place as a result of road rage, a fight, or a domestic dispute.

Street Racing Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 153 people were killed in 122 street racing crashes while racing between the years of 2001 and 2010. Of course, that number is likely higher, as street racing culture often keeps the origin of the accident from officials.

A more frightening statistic is that the victims of fatal street racing crashes are often not the driver. One study found that while 47 percent of street racing victims were driving a speeding car, the majority of victims were:

  • Passengers in the car.
  • Drivers or passengers in unrelated vehicles.
  • Pedestrians.
  • Spectators.

Getting Justice After A Street Racing Accident & Injury

If you were injured in a street racing accident and you weren’t breaking the law at the time, you could hold the driver of the racing car, or other involved parties, responsible for damages, including:

  • Your medical bills.
  • Your lost wages.
  • Your pain and suffering.
  • Your lowered quality of life.

A Federal Way accident attorney can help you piece together what happened on the road and who is responsible by collecting evidence, building your case, and reconstructing the accident–getting you the financial compensation and justice that you deserve under the letter of the law.

At The Ye Law Firm, our legal team and Federal Way car accident attorney are ready to help you. To ask a question about your case, learn more about your legal services, or schedule a free, private meeting, please contact us today by filling our our short online form or calling us at (253) 946-0577.

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Chong Ye
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