How Does Speeding Contribute to Motor Vehicle Collisions?

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Car accidents

Driving at speeds above posted limits is illegal. Aside from that, excessive speed is also a contributing factor in an alarming number of motor vehicle collisions. In fact, 29 percent of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2022 were related to speeding, with numerous injuries also caused by this negligent driving behavior.

Why is speeding so dangerous? Does speeding cause more severe injuries? A knowledgeable lawyer from Alford Law PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve if a speeding driver injures you.

Why Is Speeding Dangerous?

Since speed limits were introduced in 1901, the state government agencies responsible for America’s roads have analyzed data to determine the maximum safe speed for each thoroughfare. In 1974, the first federal speed limit was implemented. These limits aim to keep motorists safer.

Speeding relates to crashes in two primary ways: Higher speeds increase the risk of a crash, and crashes at high speeds are more likely to produce severe injuries. Consider these facts:

• Speeding cars need more time and distance to stop.
• It is harder to control vehicles traveling at high speeds, especially on slick roads.
• Drivers who are speeding do not have as much time to react to evolving road or traffic conditions.
• Airbags and seat belts may not be as effective in high-speed impacts.
• High-speed impacts have a higher force, which can greatly increase the likelihood of severe injuries.

Speeding is not only driving above posted speed limits. Sometimes, weather, visibility, road, and traffic conditions make traveling slower than the speed limit necessary. Driving too fast for current conditions also contributes to many crashes.

Do Speeding Drivers Have To Get a Ticket for Me To Get Compensation?

Moving violations, including speeding, are criminal matters. If you are injured in a collision caused by a speeding driver and seek compensation, that is a civil matter. The two cases are independent of each other, so the at-fault driver does not have to be charged with speeding for you to get compensation. However, if he is, that can serve as evidence of his negligence to support your claim.

Your eligibility for compensation depends, in part, on your degree of fault for causing your crash. For instance, you may have been searching for a piece of gum in your bag when the speeding driver hit you. Although you were distracted, you can still obtain compensation in Texas if you are under 50 percent at fault for your accident. However, your total damages will be reduced accordingly.

Liable insurance companies often try to manipulate your degree of fault to avoid paying you or minimizing the amount you might receive. Your attorney from Alford Law PLLC will ensure that any fault assigned to you is fair and accurate.

Call Our Dedicated Austin, TX Speeding Accident Lawyer Today

You need to focus on recovering from your injuries, not on dealing with the many aspects of your accident claim. You can trust Alford Law PLLC to handle your case effectively. Call us at 210-951-9467 for your free consultation with our determined San Antonio, TX motor vehicle collision attorney.