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Certain kinds of car accidents in Louisville are worse than others–but they’re also much more troubling in terms of the cause. Then, when these accidents end up being fatal, it’s all the more devastating. A story from the Lexington Herald Leader detailed one such accident that occurred on Friday, October 25, 2024.

A 42-year-old man was charged with murder and various other offenses after drag racing along Bardstown Road, colliding with an SUV carrying a 77-year-old woman who was pronounced dead at the scene. Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) investigators say that the man was drag racing a BMW in his 2020 Ford Mustang, eventually reaching speeds of at least 120 MPH before crashing into the SUV. The driver of the SUV, a 75-year-old man, also sustained “serious injuries” in the collision.

Along with murder, the 42-year-old man was charged with second-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment, speeding, and driving with an expired license.

car with shattering glass

What Do You Need to Do If You See Someone Drag Racing?

As the story above shows, drag racing is highly dangerous and clearly reckless. Not only does it pose risks for the drivers themselves, but even more importantly, it’s incredibly dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.

The worst drag racing accidents usually involve more than just reckless driving; you, as the other driver, have to take certain steps to stay safe. While avoiding a collision in these situations can be challenging, here are some steps that may help if you see someone drag racing:

  • Stay calm – If you see drivers that are drag racing, stay calm. Try to stay as in control of the situation as you can help keep you safe.

  • Don’t engage – Don’t make eye contact or respond to the racing drivers. Any reaction, like honking, gestures, or even glances, might escalate their behavior. Instead, focus on your own safe driving.

  • Give them space – Keep a safe distance from the drag racers. Slow down or change lanes to create as much separation as possible.

  • Call 911 – If you’re able, call 911 to report their behavior. Give dispatchers the vehicle details, your location, and the racers’ direction so they can send the police.

  • Get to safety – If you feel at risk, drive to a safe where you can report them and get help.

While drag racing situations can feel overwhelming, these steps can reduce your risk of being in an accident. If you do experience a collision due to someone drag racing, though, get medical help as soon as you can and try to get as many details about the other driver/car as you can. From there, you can turn to our experienced Louisville car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger for help.

Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Car Accident in Louisville

After a car accident in Louisville that happens because of recklessness, understanding your legal options is key to getting better. Our Louisville car accident team is here to help you file a claim for what you’re owed and then supporting you throughout the legal process. We want to help you recover things like:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death expenses

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in Louisville, contact us today for a free consultation.

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