Car Accident with a Speeding Driver: What You Need to Know
Excessive speed is among the most significant factors in causing serious collisions involving cars, semi-trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, and other motor vehicles. Speeding reduces the margin of error available to a driver when confronted with a road hazard and increases the intensity of the force of impact when a collision occurs. Approximately, one-third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents are caused by drivers who are speeding according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Unsafe speed can take two different forms under traffic safety laws. The most common form of speeding is a violation of the posted speed limit, but motorists can commit a speeding violation even when they do not exceed the speed limit for a specific roadway. Drivers are required to drive no faster than is reasonably safe given traffic, weather, and road conditions. A driver who travels sixty on the interstate would not be speeding in optimum weather conditions, but the same driver can be cited for driving at an unsafe speed in wet, foggy, or icy road conditions.
..."All drivers have a legal duty to drive at a slow enough speed and a safe following distance so that the driver can stop and avoid colliding with other motor vehicles and pedestrians."
When a driver is unable to stop for a road hazard or an interruption in the flow of traffic, this can constitute a basis for imposing liability on a driver who rear-ends another vehicle depending on the facts and circumstances. All drivers have a legal duty to drive at a slow enough speed and a safe following distance so that the driver can stop and avoid colliding with other motor vehicles and pedestrians. Speeding contributes to severe collisions in a wide range of ways, including:
- Drivers have less time to make decisions.
- The force of impact is more intense.
- Reaction times are shorter.
- Vehicles have more limited handling and maneuverability.
- Motorists need greater stopping distances.
While violating the speed limit or driving too fast for road and traffic conditions may constitute negligence, the speeding driver’s insurance company typically will dispute the claim that their insured was speeding or allege that other factors caused or contributed to the collision. An experienced personal injury attorney can review law enforcement accident reports, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other relevant evidence to negate such insurance company tactics.
If a speeding driver has injured you, you might have a right to financial compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and more. The right to seek compensation by bringing a car accident lawsuit or pursuing an insurance claim is subject to strict deadlines, so you should speak to an attorney today.
Free Consultation with Our Dedicated Florida Car Accident Injury Attorneys!
Fuentes Berrio Schutt represents injury victims and families of victims tragically killed in an accident throughout Florida. Our attorneys are ready to answer your questions and meet with you about your claim. Call us 24/7 at 954-752-1110 for your free case review and consultation. Nosotros hablamos español.
Fuentes Berrio Schutt
709 E Hillsboro Blvd
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Phone: 1-954-752-1110
Hours: Open 24 hours
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