Accidents occur all of the time and for a number of reasons. However, speeding is one of the most prevalent causes of accidents that involve injury and fatalities. In fact, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) says that speeding is a major factor in more than a third of all accident fatalities and plays a significant role in injuries caused by accidents. In addition to causing accidents, speeding can make the effects of an accident much worse. Speeding presents a danger to everyone on the road. Though it may be important to get to a meeting, work, or another type of scheduled event, it is much more important to get there safely and in one piece. If you have been involved in an accident as a result of another driver going too fast, you may be entitled to compensation. Give the San Diego speeding car accident attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers a call to discuss your case and schedule your free consultation today.
Statistics of Speeding Car Accidents
It’s common for most people to speed at least a few times throughout their life. What is not so common is the knowledge of how dangerous and potentially deadly the seemingly innocuous act of speeding can be. Learn more about the statistics of speeding car accidents below.
- Each year, speeding kills almost 10,000 people
- Nearly a quarter of all accident fatalities are a result of one or more drivers speeding
- Approximately 70% of all drivers knowingly speed on a regular basis
- 90% of all drivers speed at some point in their life
- Slightly more than 20% of drivers admit to speeding when they are running late
- Speeding-related accidents cost the economy more than $40 billion each year
- 50 percent of fatalities that are a result of speeding car accidents involve drivers or passengers that were not wearing a seatbelt
Traveling Too Fast For Conditions
Speeding does not only occur when a driver is going faster than the posted road conditions. It is also considered speeding when a driver is traveling too fast for conditions. This can occur in situations that driving fast (or at the posted speed limit) can be considered dangerous. Examples of travelling too fast for conditions include any situation on the road that makes driving hazardous such as inclement weather (snow, hail, ice, rain, high winds), decreased visibility, slippery roads, etc. Driving too fast in such conditions can make it difficult for a driver to safely operate and control their vehicle.
Injuries That Occur as a Result of Speeding Car Accidents
Though there are more than 30 million traffic tickets handed out each year for speeding, it still occurs on a regular basis. Unfortunately, those that are lucky enough to survive an accident are likely to suffer injuries. If you have been injured in a speeding car accident, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention and follow all physician orders. Listed below are some of the more common injuries that happen as a result of a speeding car accident.
- Whiplash
- Brain damage (permanent or acute)
- Loss of limbs
- Bones contusions, fractures, and breaks
- Injuries to the back, spinal cord, or neck
- Lacerations, burns, or bruises
- Injuries to the face and/or head
- Death
Seeking Legal Help After an Accident
People speed for a variety of reasons to include rushing, avoiding traffic, road rage, joy riding, habit, overconfidence, etc. None of the aforementioned are viable reasons to put the life of the driver or others on the road in danger. If you have suffered injuries as a result of another driver speeding is it imperative that you seek immediate medical attention, collect evidence from the scene (pictures of the posted speed limits, road conditions, etc.), identify potential eyewitnesses, contact your insurance provider/exchange information with the other drivers involved, as well as reach out to an experienced car accident attorney. Accident injuries can be expensive, painful and have an overall negative effect on your life. It is important to note that California has a statute of limitations for pursuing accident injury claims. Do not wait until it’s too late. Give the San Diego speeding car accident attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers a call to schedule your free consultation today.