In today’s busy world, it is easy to try to make up time by speeding. However, the consequences of speeding can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was responsible for the deaths of 112,580 people over a recent 10-year period.
In 2015 alone, speeding was responsible for 9,557 deaths across the country. Of those, 5,933 were drivers, and the remainder included passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Many more suffered serious injuries with lifelong consequences.
The NHTSA reports that these statistics make speeding responsible for about one-third of all accidents and as dangerous as drunk driving.
If you were injured by a speeding or reckless driver, the skilled car accident lawyers at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak can help. We can thoroughly review your claim and determine if speeding may have contributed to your accident. We can work to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries, and we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today by calling (844) 678-1800.
Consequences of Speeding
Drivers who drive too fast may think the only risk is that they may get pulled over and have to pay a hefty fine. However, speeding can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Significantly affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle
- Reducing reaction time to avoid hitting another vehicle or a road hazard
- Increasing the distance required to stop the vehicle
- Increasing the likelihood of a serious accident resulting in injuries or death
- Reducing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety features
Drivers should not underestimate the potential dangers associated with speeding.
Factors That Contribute to Speeding
Most drivers who speed do not realize that they are putting other people’s lives at risk. Some common reasons why drivers may not follow the speed limit include:
- Running late – Drivers may speed because they are late for work, school, an appointment or other engagement.
- Traffic – When traffic piles up, people may respond by trying to speed past the traffic jam.
- Age – According to the 2017 Safety Study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), drivers age 29 or younger represented only 21 percent of all licensed drivers but 50 percent of all speeding passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- Distracted driving – If a driver is texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio or otherwise not paying attention to the road, he or she may unintentionally go over the speed limit.
- Drunk driving – Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other substance may unknowingly be speeding. Their judgment is often impaired and their inhibitions lowered, so they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
- Thrill – Some drivers like to drive fast because they feel it is thrilling. They may not fully understand the potential dangers they are creating by speeding.
Speed-related crashes can also occur when motorists fail to adjust their driving because of inclement weather, construction zones or other roadside hazards. All drivers have the legal duty to drive in a reasonable manner that ensures the safety of others on the roadway.
When drivers breach their duty to drive safely and they cause an accident, they may be liable for the injuries they cause. They may be required to provide compensation to those who were injured.
Contact a Lawyer for Help
If you were injured in a speed-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you sustained. The first step to pursue such compensation is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance.
An attorney at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak can discuss your legal options during a free, no obligation consultation. Your lawyer can handle settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, and he or she may also discuss with you the option of filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Your lawyer will help gather evidence to strengthen your claim and aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get your life back again.
Call (844) 678-1800
to have our legal team review your claim.
