Speeding kills. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the most recent year for which data is available. 9,478 people were killed in fatal crashes that involved speeding. Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents and has been responsible for approximately one-third of all traffic accident fatalities over the last two decades
If you suffered injuries in a car crash in which the other driver was speeding, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault driver and pursue compensation for the medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you suffered because of the speeding accident. Contact the New Braunfels speeding attorneys of the Burch Law Firm by phone or by filling out our online form to speak to a knowledgeable speeding car accident attorney about your legal rights today.
The Dangers of Speeding
Intentionally driving a car faster than the designated speed limit is very dangerous, wherever it takes place. In residential or commercial areas with high concentrations of pedestrian traffic, it is especially hazardous. Some of the hazards associated with speeding include:
- Decreasing the driver’s ability to stop or slow down in time to avoid another vehicle, person, or object because the stopping distance is greater when a motorist is speeding
- Decreasing control of the vehicle on the road
- Creating a greater risk for causing severe injuries and damage in the event of a collision
- Decreased effectiveness of safety equipment like airbags in a high speed accident
- Texas Speeding Accident Report
While speed limits were originally set at the federal level, states now have the right to set their own speed limits. The Texas Department of Transportation sets the speed limits on state highways. Local governments are responsible for setting speed limits on city and county streets. While there is a trend for posted speed limits to increase over time, research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that as speed limits increase, the number of fatal car accidents also increases.
Under Texas law, a driver may be guilty of speeding in Texas if they travel above the posted speed limit or drives too fast for conditions. All drivers must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and watch for potential hazards so that they avoid hitting other vehicles. Therefore, drivers are expected to reduce their speed in case of problematic weather conditions and road conditions like rain, snow, ice, fog, and heavy traffic. Speeding drivers can be ticketed for their unsafe conduct and can also be held liable in a civil claim for a speeding car accident they cause.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 440,000 car crashes occurred in Texas in the most recent year for which data is available. 3,623 people were killed in traffic accidents in Texas that same year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed contributed to 1,110 of these traffic fatalities, making Texas the state with the largest number of speeding-related fatalities.
What to Do If You Were Involved in an Accident Caused by Speeding
Accidents caused by speeding often cause serious injuries and substantial financial harm. The minutes and days after a speeding accident can impact your life for years to come. It is crucial you take certain steps to protect your health and personal injury claim. If you were involved in a car accident you suspect was caused by speeding, take the following steps to protect your legal rights.
- Report the accident so you have evidence of the crash and the at-fault driver can be ticketed.
- Keep a copy of the accident report since it might provide details of law enforcement’s investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs of the property damage, any debris in the roadway, nearby stoplights and traffic signs, and skid marks. Collect contact information from the other driver and any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You can learn more about your legal rights and get advice about the next steps to take when you consult with a car accident lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and offer a free consultation to get started.
How to Prove Speeding
To recover compensation for the damages you suffered in a speeding car accident, you will need to prove the other driver was speeding and the speeding directly caused you to suffer injuries. Accident lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to help prove the at-fault driver was speeding, such as:
- Pleading no contest to a traffic citation for speeding
- Red-light cameras showing the driver speeding
- Witness statements regarding the speeding driver’s actions before the car crash occurred
- Crash scene evidence, such as brake and skid marks
- Testimony from an accident reconstruction specialist
- Electronic data stored in the vehicles involved in the accident
Possible Damages You Can Recover in a Speeding Car Accident Case
Our experienced speeding accident lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure the other driver is held accountable for their negligence. We will pursue compensation for all of the damages you suffered, including:
- Payment for past medical bills and future costs of medical treatment
- Lost wages and diminished future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
If you lost a loved one in a car crash caused by a speeding driver, an accident attorney from our law firm can pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf. Through this type of personal injury claim, we can seek compensation for:
- Your loved one’s medical bills for the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The economic value of your loved one’s lost wages, income, benefits, and earning capacity
How Burch Law Firm Can Help with Your Speeding Accident Claim
Our accident lawyers can help with your case by:
- Conducting an independent investigation into the cause of the accident
- Gathering evidence the other driver was speeding
- Handling communication with the insurance company
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Fighting for maximum compensation in court, if necessary
You can learn more about how we can help when you contact us for a free consultation with one of our skilled accident lawyers.
Contact Our Speeding Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a car crash caused by a speeding driver, you may be able to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. The New Braunfels car accident attorneys of the Burch Law Firm have over a quarter of a century of experience in personal injury law. Contact us today to speak to an experienced accident lawyer about your case.
