Injured By A Speeding Motorist?

We live in a fast-paced world in which speed is a priority. This extends to our nation’s streets and highways, where the effort to shorten commuting times is a constant focus of many motorists. Roadway safety is often a secondary thought, unfortunately, and speeding drivers often cause car accidents that hurt and kill other motorists.

Speeding does not only endanger the safety of drivers, however. Especially in towns and cities, rules governing speed limits are also designed to protect the welfare of cyclists and pedestrians. For example, speed limits in schools zones are typically lower given that children walk in the area. In short, vehicle laws are meant to protect everyone’s safety.

If you or loved one has been injured by someone who was speeding in a vehicle, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for damages relating to injuries or economic losses sustained as the result of a crash.

Common Forms Of Speeding
There are a number of classifications of speeding that can have a bearing on your personal injury lawsuit. Common forms include:

Driving above posted speeds. Motorists who are driving above posted speeds, in addition to potentially being cited for a moving violation, may be liable in any car accidents that occur at the time of speeding.
Ignoring speed advisories. Advisory speed limits are recommended maximums that apply to a specific part of the road. Often speed advisories apply to curves or other challenging stretches of road where traveling the officially posted speed limit could be dangerous. While breaking speed advisories typically does not result in a moving violation, motorists who ignore them may be liable for any accidents that occur.
Driving at speeds that are unsafe for conditions. The posted speed limit applies when there are not adverse conditions that make travel difficult or dangerous. Motorists may be held liable for accidents if they drive at excessive speeds — even if they are below the posted limit — when rain, snow or other conditions make such speeds dangerous.
Aggressive or reckless driving tactics. Speeding drivers often also engage in aggressive behaviors on the road. These may include rapid lane changes (often without signaling), cutting other drivers off or driving very closely behind motorists.

When Speeding Drivers Cause Accidents
Speed limits establish the maximum velocity at which a road can safely be traveled; when a driver breaks the limit, he or she endangers the public’s welfare. Because speeding is considered a form of negligence, a motorist who drives at excessive speeds can be determined the responsible party in an accident, and thus, made liable for injuries and other damages.

An experienced attorney can be an important source of information following an auto crash with a speeding driver. A lawyer can investigate an accident and negotiate with insurance companies, working on your behalf to secure fair compensation for damages. An attorney can also offer insight into whether another factor may have played a part in a crash, including if drug use led to an accident.

Share

Leave a Reply