Sacramento Speeding Accident Lawyer

Speeding poses a significant risk that leads to severe and life-altering accidents. It can be held at a comparable level of risk to other dangerous situations such as drunk driving accidents, slip and fall accidents and numerous others. Speed limits exist for a reason: to protect everyone on the road. Still, some drivers deliberately speed their car to reach somewhere early without considering what can come next.

According to the Transportation Injury Management System (TIMS), Sacramento experienced 1,911.6 speeding-related injuries from 2018 to 2022. Even one speeding accident can cost a fortune for anyone. Hospital visits, medical expenses, property damage, physical pain, and mental suffering are difficult for anyone to bear.

What are Speeding Accidents & How Dangerous is it?

Speeding in car accidents occurs when a driver violates speed limits or drives too fast for the current road conditions. These accidents can have severe consequences and are considered one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities and injuries worldwide.
There are four types of speeding accidents:

Rear-End Crashes

A rear-end crash happens when the front of a vehicle strikes the back end of another vehicle. When the driver travels fast, there is no time to slow down before hitting the car in front. These accidents can cause severe neck or spine injuries and even fatalities.

Sideswipes

Sideswipes happen when a vehicle is speeding, and the driver is unaware if someone is trying to pull into their lane. The driver may not have enough time to see the approaching vehicle and react. As a result, the car collides with another vehicle.

Head-on Collision

When the front of two vehicles travelling in opposite directions collides, it’s called a head-on collision. This type of accident is considered one of the most dangerous due to the high-impact forces involved.

T-Bone Accident

A T-bone accident, also known as a broadside or side-impact collision, occurs when a vehicle strikes the side of another car at/or near-perpendicular angle, forming a “T” shape. This can lead vehicles to flip over or spin around and sustain deadly injuries. T-bone accidents happen at intersections when one vehicle runs a red light or stop sign.

California Vehicle Code For Speeding Accident

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) section is the set of laws and regulations and the specific provisions regarding speeding.

“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at 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.”

Here are four key points related to overspeeding violations:

Basic speed law: According to CVC 22350, drivers must operate their vehicles and adjust their speed considering traffic, weather, road conditions, and visibility to ensure safe and appropriate driving.

Speed limits: California has established maximum speed limits for various types of roads, including highways, residential areas, and school zones. One should not violate speed limits for safety reasons.

Presumed speed limit: Certain speed limits are “prima facie” limits in California, meaning they are the maximum lawful speed unless proven otherwise. For example, in urban areas with no speed limit signs, the prima facie speed limit is 25 miles per hour.

Speeding with other violations: Speeding violations can also compound the consequences if combined with other offenses, such as reckless driving, street racing, or driving under the influence.

Common Causes of Speeding Accidents

Running Late or Time Pressure

Drivers running late may be tempted to exceed the speed limit. The pressure to save time and reach a place early can distract the driver since their mind won’t be alert, which can cause a speeding car accident.

Impatient and Aggressive

Heavy traffic can frustrate anyone. It increases a driver’s aggressiveness and results in speeding. Additionally, they tend to change lanes frequently and even express road rage toward other drivers.

Peer Pressure

In certain situations, such as street racing or driving in groups, drivers may feel compelled to speed due to peer pressure or a desire to show off their driving skills. This leads to reckless driving behavior, which increases the risk of accidents.

Poor Road Conditions

Speeding on roads with poor conditions, such as damaged roads, doesn’t allow drivers to control their vehicles.

Lack of Awareness and Distractions

Using phones, and talking to other passengers, reduces the driver’s attention and may unintentionally exceed the speed limit until it’s too late.

Common Types of Injuries Speeding Accident Victims Suffer

The common types of injuries caused by speeding accidents are:

• Whiplash
• Brain Injury
• Burns
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Concussions
• Fractures
• Post-traumatic stress
• Bruising

Should I hire a lawyer for speeding accident injuries?

It is crucial that you hire a speeding accident attorney for your injuries. You need an experienced Sacramento accident lawyer who will care and do everything to fight for you, guide you to your rights, and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Can a Speeding Accident Lawyer Help?

Whenever you get into an accident, the last thing you want to do is to handle legal issues such as accident claims and communicate with insurance companies. This is where a speeding accident lawyer will help you. They bridge the gap between you and legal work and assist you in every stage of proceedings, such as :

• Legal advice and guidance tailored to your situation.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence such as police reports, accident scene pictures, videos, and eyewitnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Establishing liability by reviewing the evidence, assessing the factors involved, and holding the at-fault party accountable.
• Represent you to negotiate a fair settlement amount with the insurance adjuster or in the court of law if necessary.

How Much Compensation is Available For an Accident Caused by Speeding?

While there is no average compensation amount for speeding car accidents, you can receive a settlement amount from:

• Insurance company of the at-fault party
• Compensation from a lawsuit in court

In California, compensation in speeding accidents cases generally falls into two categories:

Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the quantifiable financial losses incurred due to accidents. They may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-economic Damages

These damages compensate for personal losses that are not easily quantifiable. They may include:

• Pain and suffering (Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by accidents.
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

 Take your time with the settlement soon. Always consult with a speeding accident lawyer to get a more accurate estimate of the potential compensation available in your case. Your lawyer will work in detail to calculate compensation for things you may not know.