Racing on public roads endangers the safety of drivers and passengers of other vehicles as well as those participating in the reckless, negligent activity. Collisions resulting from illegal racing can result in severe injuries. At worst, they can end in fatal accidents, costing innocent lives.
Illegal drag racing is getting the blame for a fatal accident in Miami earlier this month. Police report that the driver of a Toyota Scion was racing two other vehicles on the eastbound side of Flagler Street when the driver lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle then crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Ford Expedition carrying a family of four.
Authorities say a 43-year-old man and his 15-year-old son in the Expedition were killed in the accident. The dead boy’s 42-year-old mother and and the couple’s 12-year-old son were admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The 19-year-old driver of the Scion was sent to the hospital and was last reported in critical condition. His passenger, a 20-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and also died in the accident.
Miami Police Department detectives are searching for the other two vehicles believed to have been speeding as part of the illegal race.
Those who have lost family or been involved in an accident arising from reckless or negligent driving have rights that include seeking compensation for the injury, wrongful death, emotional and physical distress, and property damage that was caused. Pursuing such claims may not be the first thing on anyone’s mind, but it is something that deserves to be explored, and can be with the help of legal counsel.
Source: CBS News, “Father, son killed in apparent drag racing crash,” Oct. 22, 2012
