Łukasz Żak sentenced to 20 years for fatal Warsaw crash

A Warsaw district court sentenced Łukasz Żak to 20 years in prison for causing a deadly traffic accident on the Trasie Łazienkowskiej on 15 September 2024. Prosecutors proved that Żak drove under the influence of alcohol, exceeded the 80 km/h speed limit by more than 200 km/h, and was filming his ride on a phone when his Volkswagen collided with a Ford, killing the 37‑year‑old passenger and severely injuring the driver’s wife, their two children (aged 4 and 8) and a passenger, Paulina K.

Żak fled the scene with assistance from friends, was later arrested in Lübeck, Germany, under a European arrest warrant, and brought back to Poland. Judge Maciej Mitera, who delivered the verdict, emphasized that the sentence was intended to protect society, noting Žak’s “zero reflection” and lack of remorse. In addition to the custodial term, the court imposed a lifetime ban on driving, a payment of 10 000 PLN to the Victim‑Support Fund, and civil damages of 300 000 PLN to each member of the deceased victim’s family and 150 000 PLN to the injured passenger.

Four co‑defendants who helped Żak evade authorities received shorter custodial sentences. The judge allowed conditional release only after serving 15 years. Legal experts and commentators described the ruling as a strong deterrent for dangerous driving, while online reaction highlighted the court’s firm stance. Żak is expected to face a hostile environment if placed in a regular prison wing.