Car accident attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet have provided legal services for victims of car accidents caused by speeding for several decades. Unfortunately, speeding-related car accidents are still prevalent in the state, leading to thousands of fatalities and even more injuries every year.
We understand Florida speeding laws and can work to help you recover the compensation you deserve if you are involved in this type of accident.
Learn more about the dangers of speeding and your rights if you are injured in this type of accident here.
The Purpose of Speed Limits in Florida
While you may not agree – especially if you are in a hurry – authorities aren’t posting speed limits to make people mad or annoyed. Serious, strategic considerations go into speed limits across the state. When speed limits are set, things like the laws of physics and how vehicles handle roadway factors at different speeds are all considered.
You will notice significantly lower speed limits on roads where there are:
- Ramps, merges, intersections, or connections
- Sharp turns or curves in the road
- Areas close to traffic signs or signals
- Narrower bridges and roadways
- Different volumes of traffic at different times of the day
- Steep hills that reduce visibility
Speed limits tell you the maximum speed you can go on a road or highway in ideal conditions. However, if it is dark out, bad weather, or another environmental condition makes things dangerous, even if you are traveling the speed limit, you may be cited for traveling too fast for conditions or causing an accident.
How Speeding Impacts Motor Vehicle Accidents in Florida
According to the “Insurance Journal,” traveling at excessive speeds contributes to up to 33% of all fatal car accidents. It also leads to accidents with more serious injuries.
Physics can explain why speeding is so dangerous. The faster your vehicle travels down the road, the less time you have to react to a possible hazard. Also, the force of impact will be greater and more violent when going faster.
Another result of speeding is that you aren’t as predictable as other drivers on the road. This includes bicyclists, motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and others. If others on the road think you are going the speed limit, they may make a move they would avoid if they knew you were speeding.
Common Injuries Caused in Speeding Accidents
Unfortunately, your injuries may be severe if you are involved in an accident with a speeding driver. High-speed collisions have been known to cause some of the most serious and life-threatening injuries. That’s because traveling at a higher speed causes more forceful impacts (mentioned above) and more damage.
It’s estimated that speeding-related accidents contribute to over 1,000 fatalities each month in the U.S. Some accidents are unavoidable; however, knowing the dangers associated with speeding can help you understand why you should not engage in this dangerous behavior and why you should avoid drivers who do.
When you are educated, you can operate your vehicle safely. Some of the most common injuries seen in speeding accidents include:
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Head injuries
- Paralysis
- Fractures
- Death
Highway travel puts you at a higher risk of encountering speeding drivers. It also means you are at a higher risk of being involved in a speeding-related accident. The faster a vehicle travels, the harder it is to control and stop. In an emergency, someone may need to stop suddenly, which may be impossible if they exceed the set speed limit.
Common Reasons that Drivers Speed
There are several reasons a driver may speed. It’s estimated that over 90,000 speeding citations are issued in the U.S. every day. Even though authorities work to prevent speeders through legal consequences, many drivers continue to drive too fast.
All drivers need to understand how serious this traffic violation can be and the consequences that may occur. Some of the most common reasons drivers say they speed include:
- They believe they are alone on the road and can safely travel at higher rates of speed.
- Drivers may be reckless or careless and be unaware of the posted speed limit.
- Motorists are in a hurry to reach a destination by a set time.
- Reckless drivers don’t think the rules of the road apply to them or that they can handle the additional speed without causing an accident.
You should never break the law. The reason for doing so will never justify the consequences of doing this. Every driver needs to understand how their negligent actions (like speeding) can impact others on the road. If someone decides to drive at a speed over the posted speed limit, every vehicle nearby is at risk of a serious and potentially fatal collision.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Accident with a Speeding Driver
If you are involved in an accident with a speeding driver, you must take steps to protect your rights and ability to recover compensation.
Remember, Florida operates under a “no-fault” system. This means you will turn to your own PIP (personal injury protection) coverage will be used to cover your accident-related medical costs. However, if your medical bills and lost wages exceed the amount of coverage you have, then you can file a claim against the at-fault party.
After an accident caused by a speeding driver, be sure to take these steps to protect your rights to compensation.
Get to Safety
After an accident, if your vehicle is on the road, you must get yourself and others to safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic, too. You want to ensure that other vehicles don’t make the accident scene worse or that the hazard your accident has caused doesn’t lead to other collisions.
Contact the Authorities
Make sure to report the incident to the authorities. When you call, let them know if you or someone else at the scene requires emergency care. It’s important to remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.
When the police arrive, they will investigate the scene and talk to everyone involved in the accident and witnesses. The police will create an official report you can request a copy of. This report will have everyone’s information and the police officer’s opinion regarding who is to blame for the accident.
Gather Evidence
If you aren’t severely injured, it’s smart to gather evidence while at the accident scene. This can be photos and videos of the vehicles, scene, and your injuries, contact information for witnesses, and anything else you may believe would help if you have to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Adjuster
It’s not a good idea to speak to the insurance adjuster until you have talked to an attorney. They aim to get you to agree to a fast settlement that is likely much less than you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim Today
If you are involved in an accident with a speeding driver, don’t hesitate to contact our car accident attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet. We have years of experience helping accident victims and will work to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Car accident claims can be challenging and scary. We are here to help each step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation today to have our attorneys review your case and provide advice and guidance about pursuing compensation.
