In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to see the speed limit as a mere suggestion. But the numbers tell a different, far more tragic story. Speeding is not a harmless act of impatience; it is a conscious choice that dramatically increases the risk of a violent, life-altering crash.

The data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of this choice. According to their official research on speeding, this single factor was a contributor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands more are injured every year because a driver chose to prioritize speed over safety.

When this choice leads to a crash, the legal implications are significant. For the victims and their families, understanding how a driver’s speed can be used to prove fault is the first step toward achieving justice.

The Physics of a Speeding Accident: Why the Injuries Are So Severe

The NHTSA is clear about why speeding is so dangerous. It’s not just about breaking the law; it’s about defying the laws of physics.

• Increased Stopping Distance: The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop. A driver who is speeding may not have the physical distance required to brake in time to avoid a collision.
• Greater Potential for Loss of Control: Speed makes a vehicle far more difficult to steer, especially around a curve or during a sudden evasive maneuver.
• Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Features: Seat belts and air bags are designed to work at specific impact speeds. Excessive speed can overwhelm these systems, leading to more severe injuries.
• Increased Crash Severity: The force of an impact increases exponentially with speed. A crash at 40 mph is not twice as violent as one at 20 mph; it’s four times as violent. This is why speeding is so often a factor in crashes involving catastrophic harm, like traumatic brain injuries.

How We Use Evidence of Speeding to Win Your Case

In a personal injury lawsuit, proving that the other driver was speeding is one of the most powerful ways to establish negligence. We use a variety of tools to do this.

1. Accident Reconstruction: We work with top experts who can analyze physical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and the final resting positions of the cars to scientifically calculate the driver’s speed at the moment of impact.
2. Electronic Data Recorders (EDR): We act quickly to secure the “black box” data from the at-fault vehicle, which often provides an indisputable record of the car’s speed in the seconds before the crash.
3. Eyewitness Testimony: We gather statements from any witnesses who can attest to the driver’s reckless behavior.

This evidence is critical in any type of vehicle collision, whether it’s a car accident, a multi-ton truck accident, or a devastating motorcycle accident.

When a speeding driver’s choice results in a fatality, the family deserves to hold that driver accountable. We use this evidence to build an undeniable case in a wrongful death claim, fighting to secure the family’s future and achieve a measure of justice for their loss.

You should not have to pay the price for another driver’s reckless decision. If you have been injured by a speeding driver, you have the right to seek full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Manoukian Law for a free and confidential consultation.