Street Racer Escapes Adult Charges for Killing Redwood City Couple

Street racing is a serious problem across the Bay Area. Despite numerous crashes, deaths, and serious injuries, people seem intent on racing each other through crowded streets. While thrill-seeking behavior might be somewhat relatable, it should not come at the cost of others. Street racers frequently kill innocent people, and many families across the Bay Area are in the process of grieving these losses. One incident claimed the lives of a couple in Redwood City, and the family recently received disappointing news about the street racer responsible for the crash. What can you do if you were injured by street racers in the Bay Area?

Disappointment as Judge Decides Not to Try Fatal Street Racer as Adult

In June of 2024, a judge decided not to try a street racer as an adult for killing a couple in Redwood City. The crash occurred two years earlier, and it caused the deaths of two people who became entangled in an illegal street race. Instead of being tried as an adult, this individual will face consequences in juvenile court. This means that he could be released in a few years.

The family has expressed disappointment, including the brother of one of the two victims. He stated that while he wasn’t sure how to define “justice” in this scenario, he knew the decision to send the suspect to juvenile court “certainly isn’t it.”

The family is also frustrated because of the suspect’s age. At the time of the accident, he was just three months shy of his 18th birthday. In other words, he was right on the verge of being a legal adult. The circumstances of the crash are also particularly heinous, and police admit the driver was traveling above 80 miles per hour when he struck the victims. He was also almost certainly engaged in an illegal street race.

In addition, the couple had twin girls in the back seat when the crash occurred. Although both children survived, they suffered unspecified injuries and permanent psychological trauma. Relatively light juvenile consequences seem completely at odds with the level of destruction these street racers have wrought upon the family.

The Family Hopes for Better Results in Civil Court

Although the family may feel as though the criminal justice system has failed them, they still have options in civil court. They have decided to sue both street racers involved in the collision, and they have also named both sets of parents. In addition, they are suing the passengers of both vehicles for participating in the street race that killed the couple. In addition, there is still hope that the defendant may be charged as an adult, as the district attorney has the option to appeal the judge’s decision.

Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Street Racing Crash in the Bay Area?

If you have lost a loved one to a street racing crash in the Bay Area, you might also have the opportunity to sue. Families of deceased victims may have the option to file wrongful death lawsuits against those responsible. These lawsuits can provide compensation for funeral expenses, missed future income, and unpaid medical costs. Families can also claim “non-economic damages” for psychological issues, such as emotional distress.

For example, parents can sue on behalf of their deceased children after a fatal car accident. Alternatively, children might sue on behalf of their deceased parents. A spouse often files a wrongful death lawsuit after losing their partner in a car crash. This is often an important source of compensation for those who lose primary wage earners. If you were dependent on your spouse’s income to pay the bills, you may desperately need compensation for the income your spouse would have earned. A wrongful death lawsuit can also help recover the compensation you need to raise your children alone.

Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in the Bay Area

Mary Alexander & Associates has spent years assisting injured plaintiffs in the Bay Area, and we know how dangerous street racing can be. If a street-racing accident has harmed you or someone you love, you are fully justified in considering legal action alongside an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Francisco. Even if the person who caused the accident was a minor, it may be possible to hold their parents liable for your injuries. This could provide a sense of justice and closure – especially if the criminal justice system fails to ensure proper consequences. Reach out today, book a consultation, and get started with an action plan.