Almost everyone has driven a little faster than the posted speed limit at one time or another. Usually there are few consequences for such actions, except possible speeding tickets. Occasionally, however, a driver may be distracted or hurrying to reach his or her destination and will end up losing control of the vehicle and crashing into another vehicle or object. Accidents caused by speeding drivers are one of the most common car accident causes.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident that was caused by another driver’s excessive speed, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages to your vehicle.
Accident Injuries Caused By Speeding Drivers
Various types of speeding accidents occur. For example, take the case of a car traveling under the posted speed limit but because of the weather or road conditions, the car loses traction and crashes anyway. If law enforcement officers determine that the driver should have been more careful, they may cite the driver for speeding or reckless driving.
Driving safely is especially important when road construction and maintenance crews are at work. Reduced speed limit signs are posted, but often drivers do not slow down. Sometimes workers are struck. Many Dallas road workers are injured or killed each year by drivers who speed through construction sites.
Standards regarding speed limits in differing contexts are set by the United States Department of Transportation. You may not drive faster than the speed a reasonable person would in a similar situation. Some examples of situations when reduced speed might be appropriate:
- Wet roadways due to rain, snow or ice
- Reduced visibility due to fog or smoke
- Uneven roads
- Construction zones
- Curves and intersections
- Gravel roads
Heavy traffic including high pedestrian or pedal cyclist activity
The consequences of speeding grow progressively more serious as the activity increases. For example, driving five miles per hour over the speed limit puts you at less of a risk of serious injury than traveling at 25 miles per hour over the speed limit.
This is why law enforcement officers may add a charge related to distracted driving to a speeding citation or when determining fault in a car crash. Excessive speeding is reckless and is considered negligent in most circumstances.
What Are My Options After An Accident?
Speeding often plays a role in other common car accident causes like drunk driving. When this occurs, the consequences can be deadly. Too many lives are lost each year to accidents in which speeding was a factor. Responsible drivers should always make sure that they are not traveling faster than road or weather conditions safely allow. Slowing down can save lives.
If you or a loved one is a victim of an accident caused by speeding, you may have questions about how to get compensation for medical or repair bills. An experienced Dallas car accident attorney will be glad to speak with you about your case.