Speed-Related Crashes Can Cause Severe and Fatal Injuries

Our Plantation, FL accident attorneys hold negligent drivers accountable

Speeding is against the law for good reason. It’s a dangerous behavior that puts people at risk of serious injury in a car accident. Whether you were hit by a speeding driver on I-595, Flamingo Road, Florida’s Turnpike, or Broward Boulevard, you need an experienced attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve.

The accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin in Plantation understand how injuries from a speed-related crash can impact the lives of you and your family. We are dedicated to building strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable and fight back against insurance company attempts to minimize your claim.

How does speeding increase the risk of a car accident?

There is a reason for posted speed limits on streets and highways. After taking several factors into account, transportation authorities have determined these to be the maximum speeds for safe travel. Driving at a speed above these posted limits increases the risk of a crash, due to:

Reduced reaction time – At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to unexpected obstacles, changes in traffic conditions, or sudden actions by other drivers.
Increased stopping distance – The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop. This extended stopping distance can prevent drivers from being able to brake in time to avoid hitting another vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle.
Loss of control – High speeds can make it more challenging to maintain control of a vehicle, possibly leading to rollovers, skidding, or veering off the road.
Limited visibility and perception – As speed increases, drivers have less time to perceive and process information about their surroundings. This can result in delayed decision-making and increased chances of making errors, such as misjudging distances or failing to see other road users.

Injuries can be significantly more severe in accidents involving speeding

While any type of accident can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, crashes involving speeding can greatly increase the severity of injuries. That is the result of many factors, including:

Increased impact force – The kinetic energy involved in a crash increases exponentially with speed. When vehicles collide at higher speeds, the force exerted on the occupants is much greater, leading to more severe injuries.
Less effective safety features – Many vehicle safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, are designed to protect occupants at moderate speeds. At higher speeds, these safety features may not perform as effectively, leading to more severe injuries.
Higher likelihood of ejection – In high-speed collisions, drivers and passengers are likelier to be ejected from the vehicle, especially if they are not wearing seat belts.
Increased risk of secondary collisions – High-speed crashes often lead to secondary collisions with other vehicles or objects, compounding the severity of injuries.
More extensive vehicle damage – Speeding often results in greater damage to the vehicle, which can lead to more severe injuries. The structural integrity of the vehicle is more likely to be compromised, reducing its ability to protect the people inside.

High-speed collisions are also more likely to result in fatalities due to the immense forces involved.

How can you prove the other driver was speeding?

You know the other driver was going too fast before the accident. But negligent drivers often deny they were doing anything wrong. They may even try to blame you for what happened. That puts you in the position of having to prove the driver was operating at an excessive speed. That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

Our firm knows how to build strong cases that prove negligence. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there are a number of ways we may be able to establish that the other driver was speeding. These include:

Skid marks and road evidence – The presence and length of skid marks can provide clues about the speed at which a vehicle was traveling before the brakes were applied.
Vehicle damage – The extent and nature of damage to the vehicles involved can indicate the speed at which the vehicles were traveling.
Black box data – Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), commonly known as “black boxes,” which record various data points such as speed, braking, and acceleration. We may be able to retrieve this data and have it analyzed to provide information about the vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident.
Surveillance footage – Video footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or dashcams can capture the moments leading up to the accident. This footage can be analyzed to determine the speed of the vehicles involved.
Witness testimony – Witnesses, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, can provide valuable testimony regarding the speed of the vehicle before the collision. Consistent accounts from multiple witnesses can strengthen the case.
Accident reports – The accident report completed by police at the scene often includes observations from the responding officers, including estimates of vehicle speeds based on their assessment of the scene, witness statements, and other evidence. The report may also include citations for speeding issued at the scene.
Accident reconstruction experts – In some cases, we may work with an accident reconstruction expert who can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence to determine the speed of the vehicles involved.

Injured in a speed-related crash? Contact us for a free consultation

If you were injured in a speeding-related accident in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in Florida, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed. The memories of witnesses can also fade as time passes.

Let’s talk about what happened. One of our car accident lawyers can review the details of your accident, discuss your legal options for recovering financial compensation, and answer any questions you have about the process. There’s no cost and no obligation.

Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to speak to an attorney and schedule a free consultation. When you call us, you get us.