You were driving home after a long shift—or maybe just walking through your neighborhood—when it happened. A blur of headlights. Screeching tires. The violent impact of a crash you never saw coming. The culprits? Drivers racing each other down city streets like it was a movie scene. Only this was real, and you're the one left with the injuries.
The team at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. understands how devastating these crashes can be—not only physically, but emotionally and financially. When reckless street racing turns your life upside down, you deserve more than just sympathy. You deserve compensation, answers, and a legal team ready to fight for every dollar you're owed.
Why Illegal Street Racing Puts Innocent People in Harm’s Way
Street racing is more than just speeding. It’s a deliberate act of recklessness—two or more drivers pushing their cars to the limit in uncontrolled environments like city streets, residential roads, and highways. These aren’t accidents in the traditional sense. They’re preventable tragedies.
Common consequences of illegal street racing include:
- Loss of control at high speeds. Most racers can't stop or maneuver safely at the speeds they're driving.
- Pedestrian injuries. Innocent bystanders, joggers, or cyclists are often struck.
- Multi-car pileups. One wrong move during a race can involve multiple vehicles and cause chain-reaction crashes.
- Delayed emergency response. Street racing often occurs at night or in less-patrolled areas, delaying help for victims.
What Types of Compensation Can Victims of Street Racing Accidents Receive?
If you were injured because of illegal street racing—even if you weren’t in a vehicle—you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These damages are meant to cover both tangible and intangible losses.
Economic Damages: What You Can Count
- Medical expenses. This includes ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future medical needs.
- Lost income. If you missed work due to the crash—or can no longer work—this is factored into your claim.
- Property damage. If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, you can be reimbursed.
Non-Economic Damages: What You Can’t Measure With Receipts
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and reduced quality of life are all considered.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability. These long-term injuries can lead to increased compensation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If you can no longer participate in activities or hobbies you once loved, this matters too.
Why Identifying the At-Fault Racer Matters
Illegal street racing accidents often involve multiple vehicles and complex crash scenes. Identifying the at-fault driver is essential—but not always easy.
Here’s why it’s critical to establish fault clearly:
- Insurance coverage. The racer’s liability insurance may be the key to securing compensation.
- Multiple parties may share blame. In some cases, both racers (or more) can be held responsible—even if only one directly hit you.
- Criminal charges don’t guarantee compensation. Even if a driver is charged with reckless driving or vehicular assault, you’ll still need to pursue a separate civil claim to recover money.
Important note: In Wisconsin, personal injury cases involving illegal activity may qualify for punitive damages—additional compensation awarded to punish particularly dangerous behavior.
What Makes Street Racing Injury Claims Different From Other Car Accidents?
Most car accidents involve one at-fault driver who may have made a mistake—ran a red light, failed to yield, or was distracted. But street racing changes the legal landscape entirely.
Key differences include:
- Heightened liability. Racing is an intentional act, not a careless mistake.
- More severe injuries. High speeds mean more force, more damage, and often longer recovery times.
- More than one liable party. Multiple racers—and even organizers—may be sued.
- Increased scrutiny from insurers. Insurers may deny or delay claims, especially if the accident scene is chaotic or involves criminal charges.
What to Do After Being Injured by a Street Racer
You may not remember much from the crash, but the actions you take next are crucial. To protect your rights and your future, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait—even if injuries seem minor.
- File a police report. Document the crash and tell law enforcement if you suspect street racing.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos, get witness names, and save any video footage or dash cam clips.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters alone. They may pressure you into lowball settlements.
- Consult a car accident lawyer in Wisconsin. Legal representation can make the difference between token compensation and full recovery.
Who Can File a Claim After a Street Racing Crash?
Many assume only drivers can seek compensation—but that's not true. If you were injured because of illegal street racing, you may have a valid claim even if you were:
- A passenger in another vehicle
- A pedestrian or cyclist
- A bystander on private or public property
- The driver of a vehicle hit during or after the race
Each case is different, but the key factor is this: you were injured due to someone else's illegal, reckless behavior.
Real Accountability for Reckless Racing
Illegal street racing isn’t just a youthful mistake; it’s a reckless choice that turns everyday roads into deadly battlegrounds. For innocent victims, the cost is measured not only in dollars but in disrupted lives, missed milestones, and lasting trauma.
The Wisconsin car accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. have been fighting for victims of reckless drivers for over 50 years. The firm’s commitment is simple but powerful: get clients every dollar they deserve. That means holding street racers accountable—not just in court, but where it truly matters: in your recovery.
