Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Handle Car Accident Claims Caused by Speeding
Speeding is illegal and can result in a costly speeding ticket. Regardless, this dangerous driving behavior remains prevalent on many U.S. roadways. Statistics reveal it is one of the leading causes of car accidents.
Speeding occurs when an individual drives at a rate over the posted legally allowable limit. Another form of speeding is driving too fast in dangerous road conditions. This can include on snowy and icy roadways, in severe fog and on slick surfaces during rainstorms. A driver who encounters poor road conditions and speeds is putting themselves and others unnecessarily at risk.
Speeding can happen anywhere. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers some surprising statistics for the majority of speed-related car accidents. In 2011, more than 80% of car accident fatalities due to speeding were on local roads with lower posted speed limits. Busy interstate highways had a lower occurrence of speed-related deaths.
Any type of speeding increases an individual’s risk of being involved in a car accident. A speeding car often cannot stop in time to avoid a collision with another motorist, motorcyclist, pedestrian or bicyclist. Speeding can force a driver to employ dangerous driving maneuvers such as swerving and slamming on brakes which increase the chance of a car accident. Moreover, a speeding car crashes with greater impact due to its high rate of velocity. This results in more severe injuries and even car accident fatalities.
Speeding Statistics
According to the NHTSA, in 2011 speeding was a factor in 30% of all fatal car accidents nationwide. This equates to close to 10,000 fatalities in the U.S. from speed-related car accidents. Speeding violations and the resulting traffic accidents come at a high-cost to Americans. Annually, speed-related car accidents result in a financial drain of more than $40 billion.
In our region, the statistics for deaths from speeding are tragically high. In 2011 Pennsylvania ranked among the top three states with the most speed-related car accident fatalities. In fact, 615 people died in the Keystone State as a result of a car crash linked to speeding that year.
Young male drivers, aged 15-24, are the most at risk group for speed-related fatal car accidents. This demographic speeds more than other drivers increasing their risk of a fatality. Another indicative behavior of speeding drivers is the decreased likelihood of wearing a seatbelt. The NHTSA reports that merely three years ago, only half of young speeding drivers involved in speed-related fatal car accidents were properly restrained. In the event of a crash, any driver or passenger of a speeding car not wearing a seatbelt may suffer deadly consequences.
Studies show that a driver who drinks and drives has a greater potential to also drive over the speed limit. Drunk driving and speeding are two extremely dangerous driving behaviors that when combined greatly increase the risk of a car accident. An impaired driver who speeds has dulled and delayed reflexes which can have a catastrophic result.
Catastrophic Outcomes from Speed-Related Accidents
Speeding can cause serious personal injury to motorists, passengers or pedestrians. Some common types of injuries caused by a speed-related crash include head and neck injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injury (TBI); fractures, sprains and broken bones; and burn injuries. Victims of a speeding car accident also too often face catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or amputated limbs.
Car accidents linked to speeding needlessly claim innocent lives. A death due to a speeding crash can affect families forever. There is also the issue of property damage to consider in the event of a crash due to a speed violation. Many cars incur significant damage or are “totaled” in these types of car accidents.
Some specific areas where speeding is particularly dangerous are designated construction work zones and protected school zones. A speeding vehicle in a work zone can result in a serious accident and puts many workers at risk of injury or death. Non-compliance with the reduced speed limit in school zones can cause a tragic child pedestrian accident.
A driver who speeds may face greater penalties than a simple speeding ticket. An individual who experiences personal injury at the hands of a speeding driver can pursue legal remedies. If it is determined that speeding caused the car accident, the violator can be found negligent and legally responsible. An injured victim can pursue compensation for such things as medical costs, loss of income, loss of consortium and pain and suffering.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein Pursue Justice for Victims of Speed-Related Car Accidents
If you or a loved one have sustained serious injuries or experienced the death of loved one due to a speeding car accident, Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein can help. Our skilled car accident lawyers in Philadelphia have successfully obtained compensation for injured residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey for 15 years. Call our Center City offices at 215-893-9311 or 856-809-3150 in New Jersey to schedule your free consultation with a reputable Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Online inquiries are also welcome.