Speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious accidents across California, and victims of these crashes often suffer severe injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, when pursuing compensation for speeding accidents with a negligent driver, many find the process confusing and challenging to navigate alone.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers offers critical support for those affected by these incidents. With extensive experience in California personal injury cases, we provide compassionate, results-driven representation to empower accident victims to move forward.
What Are Some California Speeding Accident Statistics?
Speeding continues to be a leading factor in serious car accidents across the United States, contributing to nearly a third of all traffic fatalities.
According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, speeding played a role in 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022. The dangers are especially evident in California, where the 2020-2024 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) highlights speeding and aggressive driving as a significant cause of severe and fatal injuries.
Key findings from the SHSP’s 2022 report include:
- 34% of fatalities and serious injuries are related to speeding and aggressive driving;
- Nearly 20% of speeding-related deaths and serious injuries involve impaired drivers;
- Men are twice as likely as women to be killed or seriously injured in speeding and aggressive driving accidents; and
- 30% of speeding-related fatalities and serious injuries occur in single-vehicle crashes.
These California speeding accident statistics highlight the urgent need for accountability and effective legal action in speeding cases. Seeking representation from experienced California car accident lawyers is essential to holding speeding drivers accountable and securing justice for the harm caused.
What Are the Consequences of Speeding?
The consequences of speeding exceed fines or tickets; they can be life-altering. For victims, speeding can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. For at-fault drivers, the consequences may include civil liability or even criminal charges if their actions cause fatal or severe injuries.
Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of accidents for several reasons:
- Reduced reaction time. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time drivers have to react to sudden changes on the road, such as traffic stops, pedestrians, or obstacles.
- Greater stopping distance. High speeds require longer stopping distances. If a driver is speeding, they may not have enough time to stop before colliding with another vehicle or person.
- Increased crash severity. The force of impact rises exponentially with speed, increasing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.
Given these dangers, California has strict speed limits and laws against reckless driving, but accidents still occur. Wells Call Injury Lawyers is there to help victims pursue compensation and seek accountability from those who violated their duty to drive safely.
What to Do After an Accident with a Speeding Driver?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a speeding driver, here are some essential steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention immediately. Certain injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be apparent until hours or days after the accident.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Document the accident scene by taking photos of visible injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Witness contact information and police reports can also be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payouts by downplaying the severity of injuries or suggesting that the victim was partially at fault. Having an attorney represent your interests can help prevent lowball settlements and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Track Expenses and Keep Records
Maintaining detailed medical treatment records, lost workdays, and other accident-related expenses can strengthen your compensation claim.
Consult California Car Accident Lawyers
After a car accident, you should consult with a car accident lawyer experienced in handling speeding accidents. We can guide you through the complex claims process and explain your legal options.
How to Prove a Speeding Accident?
Proving fault in a speeding accident case involves establishing that the speeding driver was negligent. In California, negligence is determined by four elements:
- Duty of care—all drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to drive safely and adhere to speed limits;
- Breach of duty—when drivers exceed the speed limit, they breach this duty by driving in a way that endangers others;
- Causation—you must prove that the driver’s speeding directly caused the accident and your injuries; and
- Damages—you must show that the accident resulted in damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Evidence for proving these elements may include traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction. California car accident lawyers at Wells Call Injury Lawyers have the expertise and resources to gather this evidence, establish negligence, and advocate for your right to compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Personal Injury Claim for a Speeding Accident?
Under California law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving speeding accidents, is two years from the accident date. So, you only have a limited time to file your claim.
After this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Consulting with an attorney soon after your accident can ensure you meet all necessary filing deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.
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Speeding accidents can cause lasting physical and emotional harm, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. Pursuing justice and fair compensation is possible, especially with a knowledgeable attorney by your side. Wells Call Injury Lawyers provides dedicated, compassionate legal representation. We help clients navigate the legal process, secure evidence to prove fault, and build a strong claim for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a speeding accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Wells Call Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and learn how we can advocate for you in your pursuit of justice.
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