Injured by a Street Racer in Texas? Here's What You Need to Know

Driving is dangerous enough without reckless drivers turning public roads into race tracks. Street racing isn’t just a movie stunt—it’s a real threat on Texas roads, and it can lead to devastating accidents.

If you or someone you love was injured because of illegal street racing in Texas, you deserve justice. Here’s what you need to know about Texas street racing laws, your rights as an injured victim, and how an experienced car accident lawyer can help.

Texas Street Racing Laws

Street racing happens more often than you might think. In fact, studies show that nine out of every 100,000 drivers have been cited for street racing—and many more incidents go unreported.

Texas law takes street racing seriously. Under state law, it’s illegal to participate in:

• Races
• Speed competitions or contests
• Drag races or acceleration contests
• Physical endurance tests involving a vehicle
• Speed exhibitions connected to a race

Violators face serious criminal penalties, including:

• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension
• Class A misdemeanor (if intoxicated or carrying an open container): Up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine

If a street race causes injuries or death, the penalties are even harsher—and can include felony charges.

Important: Criminal cases punish offenders, but they don’t compensate victims. If you were injured, you must file a civil claim to recover damages for your losses.

How to Recover Compensation After a Street Racing Accident

While the state prosecutor handles criminal charges, victims need to pursue civil claims separately.

To hold a street racer liable for your injuries, you must prove:

• The driver acted negligently or recklessly
• Their actions directly caused your accident and injuries

Street racing dramatically increases the risk of severe accidents. In 2018 alone, speeding drivers caused nearly 10,000 deaths nationwide. High speeds reduce control, increase stopping distances, and magnify the severity of collisions.

Common injuries in street racing crashes include:

• Head injuries (skull fractures, concussions)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries (whiplash, disc damage)
• Internal organ damage
• Facial fractures and dental injuries
• Broken bones
• Cuts, bruises, and permanent scarring

When drivers violate street racing laws, it can establish negligence per se—meaning the law automatically presumes they acted negligently. This can make your case even stronger.

Building a Strong Case Against a Street Racer

Winning your case requires strong evidence. Key steps include:

• Obtaining the police report: This often includes photos, witness statements, and citations proving street racing occurred.
• Preserving physical evidence: Skid marks, vehicle debris, and accident scene photos can support your claim.
• Gathering medical documentation: Connect your injuries directly to the accident.
• Identifying eyewitnesses: Their testimony can corroborate reckless driving or racing behavior.

A seasoned car accident attorney will know how to uncover and preserve critical evidence to maximize your claim.

What Damages Can You Recover?

In a street racing injury case, you may be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (ER visits, surgeries, rehab, medications)
• Future medical expenses (long-term therapy, assistive devices)
• Lost wages (from time missed at work)
• Loss of future earning capacity (if your injuries limit your ability to work)
• Property damage (car repairs, totaled vehicle replacement)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish (anxiety, PTSD, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (missing out on hobbies, activities, relationships)
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

Punitive Damages

In extreme cases, you may seek punitive damages to punish the driver for gross negligence. In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or twice the amount of economic damages (up to $750,000).

Why Time is Critical: Don’t Wait to File Your Claim

Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This clock starts ticking the day of the accident.

Building a strong case—gathering evidence, assessing damages, negotiating with insurers—takes time. Don’t wait until it’s too late to act.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

You don’t have to face this battle alone. A skilled car accident attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Build a compelling negligence case
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Calculate a full and fair damages demand
• Negotiate aggressively for a settlement—or take your case to trial if needed

Most importantly, you pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating street racing accidents can be. We’re here to fight for your recovery—so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Call us now at 800-898-4877 or contact us online for your free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t take chances. Let us help you.