Car Accidents Caused by Speeding

Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents—including fatal collisions—in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all traffic accident-related fatalities for more than 20 years. Although many people objectively understand the risks associated with driving over the speed limit, they continue to speed, putting others on the road at serious risk.

If you were injured or if your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle collision caused by a speeding driver, we at Charles G. Monnett III & Associates want to help. We understand that no amount of financial compensation can undo the pain, suffering, and trauma you have been through, but a fair settlement or verdict can provide the resources you need to heal and move forward with your life.

Reach out to our speeding accident attorneys in Charlotte for a free consultation regarding your case!

What Makes Speeding So Dangerous?

Most people recognize that driving at excessive speeds—80, 90, even 100 miles per hour—is extremely dangerous. But a lot of those same people do not realize that traveling even 5 or 10 miles over the posted speed limit also poses significant risks.

Speed limits are determined based on engineering studies and research, which identify the maximum speed at which vehicles can safely travel on a given roadway in ideal conditions. In less-ideal conditions, such as inclement weather or roadway construction, motorists should slow down to reduce the myriad risks associated with speeding.

But what exactly are those risks?

Numerous studies have shown that speeding—including traveling at relatively lower speeds that, nevertheless, exceed posted speed limits—dramatically increase the risk of:

• Losing control of the vehicle
• Being unable to stop quickly/in time to avoid a collision
• Increased stopping time required
• A more severe crash in the event of a collision
• Reduced effectiveness of safety equipment (seatbelts, airbags, etc.)

In other words, speeding not only increases the likelihood of a crash, but it also increases the severity of the crash, leading to more significant injuries and an increased risk of death.

How Our Firm Investigates Speeding-Involved Accidents

It is not always obvious when speeding plays a role in a crash. When you are traveling in your own vehicle in an opposing or adjacent direction to the motorist who hit you, you may not be able to tell if they were traveling faster than the posted speed limit. However, determining if the driver who caused the crash could be critical to the success of your claim, as it points to negligence and liability.

To investigate whether an accident was caused by speeding, our Charlotte car accident attorneys typically look at the following:

• Official crash reports compiled by law enforcement at the scene
• Whether the at-fault driver was issued a citation for speeding
• The scene of the crash itself, including tire marks on the road, vehicle damage, etc.
• Statements from witnesses who saw the at-fault driver speeding
• Video footage from traffic cameras, nearby security systems, and building surveillance
• Expert testimony provided by professional accident reconstructionists
• Crash analysis conducted by industry experts indicating speeding as a cause of the crash
• Data from the at-fault driver’s “black box” suggesting high rates of speed
• Statements made by the at-fault driver, including admittance of fault

By conducting an exhaustive investigation into your crash, our team is able to bring together critical evidence in support of your claim. Armed with this information, as well as details regarding your total damages, we are able to aggressively negotiate with the liable party’s insurance provider on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our attorneys are prepared to represent you and your best interests at trial.

What to Do If You Were Injured in a Speeding-Related Crash

If you were involved in an accident, and you believe the at-fault driver may have been speeding at the time of the crash, the first thing you should do is make sure you are receiving appropriate medical care for your injuries. See a doctor if you have not already done so and be sure to follow all their recommendations and orders.

You should also report the collision to the police. By law, you must report all accidents that lead to bodily injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000 to local law enforcement and/or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 15 days. If the police came out to the scene of the accident, they will have collected the necessary information to file this report on your behalf.

After taking care of these things, the most effective thing you can do to protect your rights is contact an experienced car accident attorney who can assist you in investigating the accident and building a claim on your behalf. An attorney with experience in speeding-related car crash cases will know what to look for and how to protect your rights and best interests against the insurance company’s attempts to dispute or deny your claim.

We encourage you to reach out to our team of Charlotte speeding accident attorneys at Charles G. Monnett III & Associates right away to learn how we can help with your case. In North Carolina, you generally only have three years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. If you wait until the statute of limitations expires, you will almost certainly lose your right to file a claim and seek financial compensation for your damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Getting back on your feet after a serious automobile accident can be incredibly difficult—but working with the right legal team can make all the difference in your recovery. Our firm is here to provide the personalized support you need and the aggressive advocacy you deserve. We fight to maximize our clients’ recoveries and, to date, have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of the severely injured and the families of those wrongfully killed throughout North Carolina.

Contact Charles G. Monnett III & Associates todayto request a complimentary consultation and case evaluation today!