Speeding plays a significant role in car accident cases and is a leading contributing factor in traffic deaths and injuries. Car accidents caused by speeding account for approximately one-third of all fatal collisions each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Driving at excessive speeds creates all kinds of risks—to the driver, the vehicle, other drivers, and the road. Excessive speeding is dangerous in several ways. Among other things, speeding:
- decreases the amount of time a driver has to react to a dangerous situation
- increases the amount of distance required for a car to come to a stop
- reduces the ability for road safety features to do their intended job of protecting drivers and passengers in the event of a collision.
What is considered speeding?
Speeding refers to when the driver is driving faster than the speed limit. But the definition goes beyond this.
California has a Basic Speed Law which states that “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
This means that by law, a driver can be cited for speeding even if they were driving at or below the posted limit if their speed posed a danger to people or property. So, in a case where the driver is driving under the posted limit, they can still be cited for speeding for the following reasons:
- They are driving too fast for the current weather conditions
- They are street racing, drag racing, or exhibitions of speed
- They are driving too fast for the condition of the road
Depending on the circumstances, the safest speed may be well below what is posted.
Ways that speeding contributes to accidents
There are several ways that speeding contributes to car accidents. For example:
Speeding increases the severity of accidents: Speeding is one of the primary factors that contribute to the severity of car accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the force of impact during a collision is much greater, leading to more severe injuries or fatalities for those involved.
Speeding reduces reaction time: As mentioned above, speeding reduces the available time for drivers to react to unexpected events or hazards on the road caused by weather or anything else. A speeding driver may have limited opportunities to apply brakes, to maneuver, or take evasive action. All of this increases the likelihood of an accident.
Speeding makes it more difficult to maintain control of their vehicle: Increased speed reduces the tire’s grip on the road, making it harder to steer, brake, or negotiate turns. This can result in a loss of control and lead to speeding accidents.
Speeding requires increased stopping distance: Speeding requires a longer distance to bring a vehicle to a stop, and as the speed increases, the distance required for the vehicle to come to a complete halt also increases. If a driver is speeding and suddenly encounters an obstacle, they may not be able to stop in time, resulting in a collision. Speeding cars make road safety features like median dividers and concrete barriers less effective.
Speeding decreases visibility: Speeding can also impact a driver’s ability to perceive and react to potential hazards. Higher speeds reduce the available time to process visual information, which may result in delayed responses or missed cues, leading to accidents.
Speeding opens up drivers to potential legal consequences: Speeding is generally a violation of traffic laws and regulations. Given this, if a driver is found to be speeding at the time of an accident, it can have legal implications. The driver may face fines, license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and potential liability for damages or injuries caused to others.
It’s important to note that the specific role of speeding in a car accident case may vary depending on the circumstances and local laws. However, in general, speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents, worsens their consequences, and can lead to legal ramifications for the driver involved.
If you think you have a car accident case or want to learn about compensation for injuries and other losses from a Los Angeles car accident attorney, it’s wise to connect with a personal injury lawyer or wrongful death lawyer in Los Angeles.
Consequences for speeding in California
In California, tickets are issued for speeding violations in which the motorist was driving 100 miles per hour or under.
The state is one of several with a “super speeder law,” which imposes tough consequences on motorists caught driving at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour. Consequences can range from a maximum base fine of $500 and up to a 30-day license suspension for a first offense to a maximum $1,000 base fine and a one-year license suspension, or restriction for a third (or subsequent) conviction within five years of a previous conviction. Speeding can also lead to criminal charges for reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, or homicide.
To learn more about legal ramifications for speed-related accidents, contact a Los Angeles injury attorney.
Contact the best personal injury lawyer (Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas)
If you’ve been in a car accident, the first thing you should do is exchange the appropriate information at the scene of the crash and avoid the common mistakes that people often make after a car crash. After this, it’s smart to consult an experienced car accident attorney [Los Angeles]. If you have concerns about liability, insurance coverage or the claims process, it can be helpful to speak with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles.
By calling The Law Office of John J. Perlstein for a free consultation, you’ll be connected with one of the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles who can help you navigate the aftermath of your car accident. We will fight to get you the monetary recourse you deserve, something we’ve been doing successfully for over 25 years.
For a free consultation with one of the best car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, please fill out our online contact form or give us a call at (213) 252-1070.