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Car Accidents Caused by Speeding
Compensation for Car Accidents
Was your car accident caused by someone else’s negligence? All too often, the common act of speeding, can lead to a serious or even fatal wreck. If you suffered an injury or the loss of a loved one because another driver carelessly broke the speed limit, the personal injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. may be able to secure compensation for your damages.
Is speeding “negligent?”
The term “negligence” refers to the failure to do what a reasonable person would do under normal circumstances. Under many circumstances, excessive speed is irrational, dangerous, and shows a lack of regard for others’ safety. If another driver’s speeding causes an accident, it could be considered negligent. In fact, Virginia has a jury instruction that provides that if a person exceeds the speed limit that it may be considered evidence of negligence by a jury.
Even if a driver was driving under the speed limit, but their speed was unreasonable under the circumstances that also may be evidence of negligence. For example, if it is raining and the road is wet, it may be unreasonable to be driving the speed limit. Virginia law provides that when the danger increases the duty increases. In other words, if you know the roads are more dangerous because they are wet, you should slow down.
Statistics, Facts, & Figures
The National Safety Council (NSC) states that:
- One in three fatal car accidents involve speed
- Speeding is the third most common cause of fatal auto accidents
- Driving over the speed limit costs more than 13,000 lives every year
- Speeding costs more than $40 billion each year
Can I sue another driver for speeding?
If another driver broke the speed limit and hurt you, you may be able to recover damages. Speeding, though common, is very dangerous. Maximum speed limits are posted to help drivers maintain a reasonable speed and vary depending on the type of roadway. For example, residential zones usually have lower maximum speed limits than highways.
Speed limits are especially important in construction zones. If a driver speeds through a construction zone, he /she is more likely to hit a pedestrian or another vehicle. Because of this, the fines associated with speeding in a construction zone are usually higher than normal penalties. Click here to learn more about car accidents in construction zones.
Your Local Car Accident Attorneys
Our Washington, DC area car accident lawyers can help you seek damages for medical costs, ongoing medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We have decades of professional experience. Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. for a free consultation regarding your Virginia car accident claim or lawsuit.
Our firm handles all car accident and personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning that we do not get paid unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Call us at (202) 659-8600 to get started with a FREE consultation today.
Additional Resources:
- 4 myths about compensation and car accidents
- Factors that influence the value of your accident claim
- What a lawyer looks for in a car accident case
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