Speed is a contributing factor in just over 30% of all fatal car accidents, and nearly half of all car accident deaths occur on roads with speed limits over 55mph. The human brain is not wired to react as quickly as we usually think it is, and driving becomes far less safe at higher speeds. Especially on highways where drivers commonly drive up to (or over) 70mph, the risk of speeding being a cause of an accident is very high.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by speeding, talk to an attorney today. The traffic violations associated with speeding often help car accident victims prove their case and get compensation if they sue for car accident injuries. For a free consultation on your case, contact the Philadelphia speeding accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm today. Our number is (215) 709-6940.
High-Speed Car Accident Lawyers
One of the highest contributing factors for the severity of a car crash is speed. The kinetic energy of a car crash is based on the mass of the vehicle and the speed it is traveling, with speed having a far greater effect. The more energy a car has during the crash, the harder it is to slow it to a stop, and the more damage it will do to itself and another car when the crash occurs.
Cars traveling in the same direction aren’t as affected by speed since the speed difference between the two cars isn’t usually too high. However, crashes between a moving vehicle and a stopped vehicle can be very serious when the moving vehicle is going very fast. Still, the worst accidents usually involve two cars going in opposite directions. These cars’ speeds effectively add together, such that a crash between two cars each driving 25mph can become as serious as a 50mph crash with a stopped car. With two cars at highway speeds of 70mph, a head-on crash can be as serious as a 140mph collision – which often means serious, permanent injuries or death.
Speed limits and other traffic laws are in place to help prevent high-speed accidents. Speed limits are often set for the specific conditions of the road. This means that residential areas often have lower speed limits in case pedestrians are along the side of the road or crossing the streets. Highways have the highest speeds because they are mostly straight with few obstacles. Still, the speed limit may be too fast for the traffic or weather on the road, and it is always up to the drivers to adjust accordingly and practice safe habits on the road.
When a car crashes into another at high speeds, it can cause significant damage to the car and injury to the occupants. It is common for high-speed crashes to end in death or serious, permanent injuries like traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or loss of limb.
Suing for Crashes Caused by Speeding in Philadelphia
When you are injured in a car crash, you can often sue for very serious or permanent injuries. Your auto insurance may provide “no-fault” coverage if you have a “limited tort” option on your policy. This means that you may be required to use your own insurance before filing a claim against the other party’s insurance or filing in court. However, if your injuries cost more than your policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) limits or are considered “permanent,” like loss of limb or paralysis, you can usually take your case to court. If you have “full tort” car insurance, you can usually sue regardless of these factors.
Suing for personal injury can get you compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to the accident. This includes not only the basics like the cost of surgeries or wages you missed but also expenses like medical imaging and transportation, as well as ongoing future wages you may miss if you are too injured to return to work. Damages for pain and suffering are closely tied to the specifics of your injuries and your personal experience of the pain.
If the other driver was violating traffic laws when the accident occurred, it may be simpler to prove your case against them. Typically, you must prove in court that the driver was not using the proper care or skill that a reasonable driver would use. This may come into cases where the driver was driving below the speed limit, but that speed was still too fast for the road conditions because of traffic or bad weather. However, if the other driver was speeding, there is an obvious breach of a legal duty which can help simplify your claims against them. Courts can easily use the speed limit as a clear-cut rule to help determine who was at fault in your case.
If You were Hurt in an Accident Caused by Speeding in Philadelphia, Our Attorneys Can Help
The Philadelphia speeding car accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm represent the victims of car accidents and their families in claims against dangerous drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in a high-speed car accident, or if a loved one was killed in a car crash, talk to our car accident attorneys today. To schedule a free consultation on your case, call our law offices today at (215) 709-6940.
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