The Connection Between Speeding and Fatal Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the US. Speeding is a key factor contributing to the severity of these accidents and often causes catastrophic or fatal injuries. Researchers have been consistent in their findings of a clear correlation between the likelihood of a fatal injury and the speed of the negligent driver’s vehicle.
If someone you love lost their life in a car accident due to another’s fault, you have a right to seek maximum financial compensation. Be prepared to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney with experience in auto accident fatality cases to get justice for yourself and other family members.
Impact of Speeding on Your Driving Ability and the Safety of Other Motorists and Pedestrians on Atlanta Roads
Speeding affects different drivers in different ways – none of these are positive. Speeding is correlated with fatalities because of the following reasons:
- Gives you less time to react to unexpected driver behavior, obstacles on the road, and other situations.
- Increases the vehicle stopping distance.
- Decreases the efficacy of median dividers, guardrails, concrete barriers, and other safety structures.
- Decreases the efficiency of airbags, seatbelts, and other safety equipment.
Speeding drivers are often in a rush or may be running late. They are not in an ideal state of mind to react to sudden obstacles on the road. It’s difficult for them to make sound decisions in a split second. Here are some other likely consequences of speeding that add to the risk of severe crashes:
- Loss of vehicle control.
- Reduced effectiveness of safety equipment.
- Increased stopping distance.
- Expensive collisions.
- High fuel consumption.
Types of Life-Threatening Injuries Experienced in Car Crashes
Speeding drivers result in severe accidents that can cause fatal and catastrophic injuries for victims. Motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved in speed-related crashes are at a higher risk of fatal injuries. Victims that don’t die immediately or on impact may suffer critical injuries that eventually lead to death.
In such tragic accidents, the surviving family members should speak with a competent wrongful death attorney about their legal options. These are common critical injuries suffered in a car accident caused by speeding:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic amputation
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Broken bones and fractures
Investigating and Proving Speeding Accidents
Several factors need to be taken into account while proving a speeding accident. This makes it especially important to work with a competent and seasoned car accident attorney. Reputable and established wrongful death attorneys have capable investigators on their teams. Depending on the nature and unique circumstances of the accident, the investigator will gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim.
Your attorney may also retain the services of an accident reconstruction expert to show how the accident occurred and all responsible parties. Necessary evidence for proving a personal injury or wrongful death claim includes witness testimony, length of skid marks, extent of vehicle damage, and others.
In accidents involving newer models, the attorney may also file a request for obtaining the car’s event data recorders (EDRs). These are similar to a truck’s black box recorder. Event data recorders are useful in showing a vehicle’s wheel speed, RPM, and braking history among others. Security cameras at intersections or outside a store can offer compelling evidence.
For instance, if the at-fault party was speeding when the crash occurred, the footage can prove negligence. Experienced car accident attorneys frequently use expert witnesses for providing information and testimonials. You should retain the services of a tenacious and aggressive wrongful death attorney as soon as possible for ensuring all relevant evidence is analyzed and collected.
This will lend your claim an edge during negotiations with the insurance company.
Steps to Take Following a Speeding Accident
It’s normal to feel shaken and stunned immediately following an accident. You should check everyone involved in the accident for injuries. In case of severe injuries, call 911 immediately or have someone call them. By taking certain steps at the accident scene, you can protect your rights and interests as a victim or survivor.
Make sure everyone involved in the accident gets medical attention. You should try and take as many photographs of the accident scene as possible. Pay attention to individual injuries and any contributing factor to the accident, such as slick roads. Your next step should be to hire a qualified car accident attorney. They will help you take the right steps to file a claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Deal with Insurance Providers on Your Own
Don’t speak with the insurance adjuster before you have a chance of consulting with an attorney. In fact, you should allow your attorney to handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf with the insurance company. Insurance companies rarely ever have a claimant’s best interests at heart. They will do everything possible to deny or minimize your claim.
Choose a Results-Driven Auto Accident Wrongful Death Law Firm with a Record of Large Settlements and Verdicts
The experienced car accident attorneys at the law firm of Miller Injury Trial Law are here to fight for your rights after a car accident. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one to a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can move fast to collect evidence, identify the liable parties, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, take your case to trial in order to maximize your compensation.
To set up your free case evaluation, call us at 855-44MILLER or reach us online.
