Street Takeovers & Reckless Driving: What to Do If You Are Injured

Versions of “street takeovers”, also known as "sideshows",  have existed since automobiles first appeared on roadways, gaining particular popularity in Oakland during the 1980s. Drivers would perform dangerous stunts such as donuts, burnouts, and drifting in public areas, often blocking intersections or parking lots.

The popularity of street takeovers increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many roadways and public parking lots were less populated during shutdowns. Unfortunately, these events involve reckless driving, which frequently leads to accidents and injuries affecting both participants and innocent bystanders.

It is always advisable to contact a Bay Area personal injury attorney if you have been injured in any type of accident, especially those arising out of illegal activities or unauthorized events.

Bay Area Takeovers Are Illegal: Resulting Personal Injury Cases Are Serious

Street takeovers are illegal in the State of California. California State Bill AB-2807, passed in 2024, provides a detailed description of the law. Specifically, AB-2807 provides as follows:

A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway or in an offstreet parking facility. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device. For purposes of this section, an event in which the time to cover a prescribed route of more than 20 miles is measured, but in which the vehicle does not exceed the speed limit, is not a speed contest.

AB-2807 also prohibits:

• Aiding or abetting in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway or in an off-street parking facility.
• Obstructing or placing barricades on a highway or in an off-street parking facility, or assisting or participating in such obstruction.

The penalties for violating this law are severe and may include mandatory jail time and significant fines. When violations result in personal injuries, the consequences become even more stringent. AB-2807 also extends liability to individuals who organize, promote, or facilitate these events, meaning that anyone involved in planning or enabling a takeover may face serious criminal and civil repercussions.

Injured In a Bay Area Street Takeover? Here Are Your Next Three Steps

Avoid participating in street takeovers. Before outlining the steps you should take, it is important to emphasize avoiding these situations at all costs. If you are proven to be a participant in the event or a supportive player (for example, helping with the event’s organization, promotion, or participating as a willing spectator), your case may have far less leverage because you may share comparative negligence with other parties. This can drastically affect the outcome of your case.

There are several ways individuals can become victims of street takeover accidents or injuries, including:

• Being a driver or passenger in a car accident resulting from reckless driving.
• Pedestrians who are passing by, spectating, or standing near the perimeter of an event.
• Delays that impact the ability of EMTs and other first responders to reach the scene, impeding medical care for those injured in the incident.
• Members of the public being prevented from receiving timely medical or emergency assistance due to street takeover backups, congestion, or roadblocks.
• And more.

If you or someone you love is injured during a street takeover or similar reckless driving event, here are the steps you should take:

1. Safety First: Call 911 & Keep Everyone Safe

Safety is always the priority after any accident involving passengers or pedestrians. If possible, move to the sidelines or outside the boundaries of the event to ensure you are out of the path of other reckless drivers.

Then, take action as you would with any other car accident or injury:

• Call 911.
• Take photographs of the accident scene, focusing on the vehicles and individuals involved.
• Record license plate numbers for all vehicles involved.
• Gather as much contact information as possible from those involved and from witnesses.
• Ask other spectators to share their photos, videos, or dashcam footage with you as soon as possible, and collect their contact information if they are willing.
• If possible, photograph driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and proof of insurance.

It is also advisable to record immediate witness statements, including your own. Fresh information is typically more reliable than recollections made later, after individuals have had opportunities to retell or discuss events with others.

Important Note: Never share recordings, photos, or other evidence on social media or any public platform. This information should be provided only to your personal injury attorney, as public sharing can result in evidence being used against you.

2. Seek immediate medical attention

The next step is to seek prompt medical attention. Begin with a visit to the nearest urgent care clinic or emergency room where you can be evaluated, undergo a thorough physical examination, and receive necessary treatment, including imaging for any injuries sustained.

Clear and accurate documentation of your injuries can be decisive in whether your case is settled, whether you prevail at trial, and in the total damages awarded. It is crucial to follow through with all therapies and treatments recommended by your providers, including imaging studies, follow-up appointments, chiropractic care, and any prescribed therapies.

In addition, keep daily records of how the injuries affect your daily life, including pain levels, limitations, and any time missed from work. Document all financial costs and emotional impacts resulting from the accident and injuries, as these are compensable elements of your personal injury claim.

3. Contact an experienced personal injury law firm 

Once you are safe and have received medical treatment, begin reaching out to personal injury lawyers. If you are involved in an accident caused by reckless driving during a street takeover, you need professional legal guidance at every step. These cases are complex and often involve multiple parties. It is important to remember that your auto insurance company is rarely your strongest ally in these situations.

After you retain an attorney, we manage all communications with the insurance company to ensure that nothing you say can be used against you, and to maximize the benefits and coverage available to you. We also facilitate the collection of all necessary documentation to support and strengthen your case.

Burneikis Law Firm Protects Victims of Street Takeover Accidents & Injuries

The team at Burneikis Law provides free, no-obligation discovery calls to listen to your story and determine whether we are the right fit for your case. You do not need to face this difficult process alone.

With attorney Monica Burneikis by your side, you can be confident that your case will receive personalized attention, strategic guidance, and expert advocacy. We will ensure that your street takeover personal injury matter is handled with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Contact us today to schedule your discovery call, share your story, and explore whether we are the best team to represent you. If so, we will guide you through every stage of your case and stand as your strongest advocate in the days ahead.