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The Role that Excessive Speed Plays in Car Accidents

Speeding may cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, reduce the effectiveness of the included safety mechanisms, and increase stopping time.

With the hectic schedules that most people have today, it should be no big surprise that drivers often ignore the posted speed limit as they try to get from point A to point B. Their goal is to get there just a little faster.

Unfortunately, if you drive faster than the posted speed limit or faster than what is considered safe for the road conditions, it can cause a serious and life-changing accident.

If you are the victim of an accident caused by another driver who was speeding, you have legal rights. One of these rights is to recover compensation from the at-fault party. While this is true, it’s also smart to learn more about how speeding contributes to car accidents.

How Speeding Contributes to Car Accidents       

There are several ways that speeding can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common ways include:

Traveling at Higher Speeds Increases the Possibility of Losing Control

A driver who is speeding is more likely to swerve into oncoming traffic than one who is going the posted speed limit. They may also hit a roadway barrier. If a speeding vehicle loses control, it can roll, which can impact many other vehicles on the road.

Speeding Increases Stopping Distance and Time

The faster a car is going, the more time they need to stop. If someone speeds and suddenly notice debris on the road or if there is a vehicle stopped ahead, it will be impossible to stop in time in many cases. This can result in a serious accident.

Safety Features Don’t Always Work at Higher Speeds

Airbags and safety belts are designed to protect passengers and drivers from severe injury. This is done by reducing the force that occurs at impact. If someone is traveling too fast and they are involved in an accident, then the safety features will probably not function well or properly.

Serious Injuries Caused by Car Accidents Where Speed Is a Factor

A collision that occurs at high speeds may cause serious whiplash and result in your skull and brain being jarred inside your head. It can also lead to serious spine and neck injuries. You could also hit your head on the windshield, steering wheel, or some other hard surface. When traveling at higher speeds, the impact could also be fatal or result in serious, life-changing brain damage.

Actions That Cause Speed-Related Accidents

The posted speed limits show the maximum speed that a driver can go if there are favorable weather and traffic conditions present. Drivers may engage in the following actions and cause accidents:

Going too Fast

Some people make the mistake that traveling just five to 10 miles of the speed limit is not really speeding. However, even if someone is traveling just a few miles over the posted speed limit, serious consequences may occur. If someone drives too fast, it is especially dangerous.

Driving too Slowly

If someone drives too slowly, it can also be dangerous. In fact, this can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. For individuals who are driving 10 mph or slower than the posted speed limit or other traffic on the road, an accident is much more likely.

Not Maintaining a Reasonable Speed

In situations where the speed limit posted is 70 mph, it doesn’t mean that this is the speed that a person should travel during bad weather. If a driver does not consider the weather conditions, roadway construction, traffic conditions, or other factors when they drive, it may cause an accident. This is the case even in situations where they are not actually speeding.

Your Options if You Are Injured in an Accident Caused by Speeding

If you experience injuries in a car accident that is caused by a speeding driver, it’s important to get yourself and your vehicle to safety, if possible. After that, you should check to see if any other passengers in your vehicle have been injured.

Once you have checked for injuries and gotten to safety, contact the authorities. Along with the police, be sure to request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are serious, it’s a good idea to be checked out by a doctor. They will document your injuries and ensure that you get the treatment needed.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Make sure that you contact a car accident lawyer if you are injured in a speeding-related accident. Being informed about what to do will ensure that you protect your rights to compensation from the at-fault party.


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