Setareh Law
July 6, 2026
A collision caused by a street racer can be one of the most devastating accidents a person ever experiences, leaving victims with life-altering injuries and no immediate answers about what just happened. Unlike typical crashes, these incidents involve extreme speeds, which dramatically increase the likelihood of catastrophic harm. Victims are almost always completely innocent bystanders who had no warning they were sharing the road with someone engaged in an illegal race.
If you have been hurt in this type of crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and long-term losses. At Setareh Law, our car accident attorneys bring over 60 years of combined experience fighting for injured Californians and have recovered more than $250 million on behalf of our clients. Understanding your legal rights after this kind of accident is a critical first step in protecting your claim.
Understanding Street Racing Accidents
Street racing is explicitly illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23109, and the consequences can be devastating. According to the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, 32 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in California in 2023 were speeding-related, with over 1,300 people killed in those crashes that year alone. When drivers race at extreme velocities, their ability to react, brake, or avoid other vehicles is severely compromised, creating enormous risk for every other driver and pedestrian on the road.
Common Injuries in Street Racing Crashes
High-speed collisions produce far more severe outcomes than typical accidents. The combination of extreme velocity and the element of surprise leaves victims with little opportunity to react defensively. Some of the most common injuries suffered in street racing crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Broken and fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns and lacerations
These injuries can be life-altering, requiring lengthy medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. Catastrophic injuries sustained in high-speed collisions may permanently prevent victims from returning to work or resuming normal daily activities, resulting in significant long-term financial and personal hardship.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in a street racing accident can involve multiple parties, making the legal process more complex than a standard collision. The drivers who were racing are the most direct targets for legal action, as their reckless conduct directly caused the crash. However, liability may sometimes extend to a vehicle owner, event organizer, or another third party who contributed to creating the dangerous situation.
California law also allows victims of egregious reckless driving to pursue punitive damages in addition to standard compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Just as victims of drunk driving accidents may seek punitive awards, street racing victims can do the same, because both involve a conscious disregard for the safety of others. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, your case may also involve a hit-and-run claim, which adds complexity but does not eliminate your right to full compensation.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Street Racer
Taking the right steps immediately after the crash significantly strengthens your ability to recover compensation. Call 911 right away to report the accident and request emergency medical services, even if you feel fine, as many serious injuries have delayed symptoms. Obtain a copy of the police report, take photos of the scene and all vehicles involved, and collect contact information from any witnesses present. Avoid giving recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney, as early statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
Contact Setareh Law After a Street Racing Accident
The legal aftermath of a street racing crash can be overwhelming, but having the right representation makes a major difference. Setareh Law has recovered over $250 million for injured clients throughout California. We speak Spanish and have eight office locations, as well as offer home visits to meet you wherever you are most comfortable. With over 400 five-star Google reviews and 60 combined years of experience, our attorneys aggressively pursue full and fair compensation for every client, regardless of the complexity of the case.
You should not have to bear the financial burden caused by someone else’s extraordinarily reckless behavior. Setareh Law handles all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to seek the justice and recovery you deserve.
