Most drivers know that street racing a motor vehicle is a dangerous activity that could result in serious personal injury or death in some cases. Despite this common knowledge, street racing remains a contributing factor in violent car accidents every day across the nation.
In Washington state – as with most other states throughout the United States – street racing is absolutely prohibited and can carry strict penalties for anyone found to be involved. In fact, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) regarding street racing – RCW 46.41.530 – and reckless driving states the following:
“No person or persons may race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state. Any person or persons who willfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500, whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximums peed prescribed by law: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That any comparison or contest of the accuracy with which motor vehicles may be operated in terms of relative speeds not in excess of the posted maximum speed does not constitute racing.”
Strict Penalties for Street Racing in Washington State
Anyone found to be in violation of RCW 46.41.530 may potentially be charged with reckless driving, which is classified as a gross misdemeanor in Washington state. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and an additional 364 days in jail. These offenses may also include a 30-day license suspension, though this is not always the case. Offenders may also be required to purchase SR-22 insurance after being convicted of reckless driving, which can become extremely expensive over time.
All too often, innocent people are injured or even killed because of a person’s decision to participate in street racing or drive recklessly. Despite the state's efforts to deter people from engaging in reckless driving and the obvious risks associated with this behavior, serious car accidents involving dangerous and reckless drivers happen every day in Washington state.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
When an accident leads to life-changing injuries, it can make all the difference to have a qualified personal injury attorney on your side. An experienced lawyer will investigate all possible contributing factors to a crash, identify all potential defendants or responsible parties, and help ensure victims get the treatment they need to recover from their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a reckless driver, contact Davis Law Group, P.S. today to have your case reviewed by some of Seattle’s top-rated attorneys. Our legal staff has represented countless accident victims in Washington and may be able to add significant monetary value to your claim.
Statute Of Limitations