Speeding Accidents

Speeding is one of the leading factors involved in car accidents in Northeast Florida, as well as nationwide. Drivers often disregard other motorists in an effort to get to their destinations quickly. Injuries from speeding accidents are some of the most severe, since vehicles traveling at a high velocity create a more forceful impact in the event of a collision. Speeding also decreases the amount of time a person has to respond to changing traffic conditions, such as a sudden stop ahead. These concerns are worsened if a driver is also engaging in other dangerous maneuvers, such as tailgating or texting. The Jacksonville speeding accident lawyers at The Lawrence Law Group help victims injured by a speeding driver seek the compensation that they need to assist in their recovery. Our firm is dedicated to making sure that parties responsible for causing serious, life-threatening injuries are held accountable under the law. If you have been injured, or a loved one died, due to a driver’s careless actions, contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

In Florida, speeding, which is defined as either exceeding speeds indicated by posted speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions, is a major contributor to our most severe collisions. Across the country, speeding is a factor in almost one-third of all fatal car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2011, for example, speeding drivers were involved in 260 fatal crashes in Florida.

Drivers may choose to drive excessively fast for a myriad of reasons. Many people are rushing to get to work or an appointment. Others may be distracted by their phones and fail to recognize how fast they are driving. Some drivers, especially at night, may be driving while intoxicated or otherwise impaired. Florida remains one of the states leading the nation in the amount of speeding citations issued each year. Speeding accidents can injure drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Some common injuries that victims suffer include broken bones, brain injuries, paralysis, and sometimes even death. When speeding drivers harm others, they need to be held responsible by a speeding accident attorney in the Jacksonville area.

Drivers who ignore the speed limit, get behind the wheel while intoxicated, or text while driving create unsafe conditions for all road users. When a driver’s speed causes an accident and the resulting injuries, victims can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. Personal injury cases are based on the legal concept known as negligence. In court, a victim must prove that the defendant driver’s speed was an unreasonable action, given the circumstances. For example, a driver going 20 mph over the posted speed limit is more likely to be found negligent than someone traveling only in excess of 2-3 mph over the allowable speed.

Victims injured in a speeding accident can be awarded damages for property loss, past and future medical expenses, disability, and loss of earnings or diminished earning capacity. When a collision is fatal, the victim’s family members may pursue a wrongful death action on behalf of the decedent to pursue compensation for burial and funeral arrangements as well as loss of companionship and support. There are many considerations that need to be addressed in the aftermath of a serious car accident. Gathering detailed evidence regarding the vehicles involved, the speed at which each vehicle was traveling, and other technical data are all vital components of a strong personal injury claim.

Seeking medical attention is the first and most important step to take after being involved in a car accident. Once treatment is received, victims often need legal assistance as well in order to make sure that they receive the financial support necessary to cover the costs of their injuries. The Jacksonville speeding accident attorneys at The Lawrence Law Group offer experienced legal representation for people throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Baker, Brevard, Union, Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton, Jefferson, Volusia, and Alachua Counties. Contact our office at 904-632-0077 or online to schedule a free consultation.