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Whether due to movies like the Fast and Furious franchise, similar television shows, or video games, so-called street racing occasionally rears its ugly head in cities around the United States. During such races a driver is likely to exceed the speed limit, ignore traffic signals and signs, and place pedestrians and other drivers in significant danger. That is why street racing is illegal in Nevada and elsewhere. Someone who has been injured by someone who is competing in an illegal street race should consult with an attorney.
Nevada law on street racing
Driving or organizing “an unauthorized speed contest on a public highway” is a crime in Nevada, punishable by a fine, mandatory community service, and prison time. NRS 684B.653. By definition, driving in such a race is a form of reckless driving. A first-time offender may be fined up to $1,000, ordered to serve up to 99 hours of community service, and jailed for up to 6 months. The penalties go up for repeat offenders. Offenders can also have their drivers’ licenses suspended and their cars impounded. Note that these penalties are in addition to penalties for broken traffic laws, refusing to stop for police, and so forth. A street racer faces significantly more serious penalties if he or she causes serious injury or death to another person in the course of a race. In such cases the driver may be imprisoned for up to six years and fined up to $5,000.
Criminal prosecution of illegal racers may not fully compensate victims
When someone is prosecuted for any crime the prosecution may ask the court to order the defendant to make restitution payments to the victims of the crime as part of the sentencing process. Such restitution can only be ordered for economic damages suffered by the victim: medical bills, lost earnings, and so forth. By law, criminal courts don’t get involved with so-called noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. The criminal justice system may or may not protect the injured victim in other ways. The prosecution is not within the victim’s control. It may take a long time and ultimately may fail for reasons having to do with the high requirements for conviction. People who are injured by illegal racers therefore have a strong incentive to pursue civil lawsuits to recover complete compensation for their injuries. Even if the criminal prosecution is ongoing, it can be worthwhile to also pursue a civil action. And if the criminal prosecution has concluded with a conviction, the conviction can be used in the civil case to prove the defendant’s liability.
GGRM is a Las Vegas accident law firm
GGRM law firm has represented clients in personal injury and accident cases for over 45 years. If you have been injured by a driver who was involved in an illegal street race, call us today for a free, confidential attorney consultation. We’re available at 702-384-1616 or contact us through our website.