Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Kentucky, and the injuries from these crashes are often severe. Recent data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet show that in one year, unsafe speeds and driving too fast for road conditions were contributing factors in nearly 5,000 car accidents statewide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that speeding was a factor in 28% of fatal car crashes and 13% of injury crashes.
The medical, personal, and financial costs of car accident injuries can cause financial stress for those injured and their families. Car accident victims should not be saddled with medical bills because another motorist made the careless choice to exceed the speed limit.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an auto accident involving speeding, you need a car accident attorney who will stand up for your rights and hold the at-fault party accountable. The Kentucky car accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer know how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let our car accident attorneys take care of the legal work while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Call our legal team today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
Why Do People Speed?
Speeding is one of the most common and dangerous driving behaviors on Kentucky’s roads. While many people feel they have justifications or excuses for driving over the speed limit, the reality is that speeding puts lives at risk. Some common reasons drivers give for speeding include:
- Running late – Many people feel pressure to get to their destination as quickly as possible, whether it’s for work, a family event, or another commitment. Other drivers think speeding will save them time, but it actually increases their chances of being in an accident.
- Thrill-seeking – For some drivers, the adrenaline rush of driving fast is its own reward. They may get a sense of excitement from pushing their vehicle to the limit, not realizing the risk they’re taking.
- Impatience – Drivers who become frustrated with slow traffic or obstructed lanes may resort to speeding as a way to make up lost time. This reckless behavior shows a lack of regard for the safety of others on the road.
While many people believe they can drive safely at high speeds, this is rarely the case. Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to hazards and maintain control of their vehicles, increasing their risk of causing auto accidents. Speeding is an extremely dangerous driving behavior and is a factor in many auto accident cases.
If you have questions about seeking compensation from a speeding driver who caused a car wreck and left you with serious injuries, talk to an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer.
The Devastating Consequences of Speeding
When drivers choose to speed, the consequences can be catastrophic. Traveling even 10 or 15 miles per hour over the speed limit drastically increases the forces involved in a collision, leading to more severe car accident injuries. The human body cannot withstand the impact forces generated by a motor vehicle accident at higher speeds.
Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it far harder to maneuver the vehicle and avoid a car wreck. Drivers traveling at excessive speeds have less time to identify dangers, process information, and make the appropriate maneuvers to avoid car accidents. This lack of control greatly heightens the chances of a car accident occurring.
Beyond the direct harm to vehicle occupants, speeding also puts vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists at an even greater risk of being struck and suffering life-altering injuries or fatal injuries.
Legal Ramifications of Speeding Accidents
Speeding drivers do not consider the potential legal ramifications of their reckless actions. On the criminal side, speeding violations can lead to a range of punishments, from traffic tickets and fines for minor violations to more severe charges such as reckless driving or even vehicular homicide in cases of extreme negligence.
Beyond the criminal penalties, drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents by speeding expose themselves to civil liability. They may be held financially accountable for the harm they cause. Speeding is a form of negligence, which means car crash victims who have severe injuries might demand compensation from the speeding driver for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Alternatives to Speeding
While the temptation to speed may be strong, especially when running late or feeling impatient, there are always better alternatives that don’t put lives at risk. By planning ahead, leaving earlier, and exploring different transportation options, individuals can arrive at their destination safely without resorting to excessive speed. Some effective alternatives to speeding include:
- Allowing extra time for your commute or trip. Leaving a few minutes earlier can go a long way in avoiding the need to speed.
- Planning your route in advance to identify potential traffic delays or construction zones.
- Using public transportation, ridesharing services, or other alternatives to driving when possible. This removes the temptation to speed.
- Pulling over safely if you get frustrated or feel the urge to speed. Take a few deep breaths to regain composure before continuing your journey.
- Speaking up if you’re a passenger in a vehicle and the driver begins speeding. Politely ask them to slow down and focus on safety.
Getting to your destination a few minutes faster is not worth the risk of serious injury posed by excessive speed. Your top priority should always be your safety and that of your passengers and fellow road users. By exploring these alternatives, drivers can get where they need to go responsibly and avoid the consequences of a high-speed collision.
What To Do After a Speeding Accident in Kentucky
Your actions after a speeding accident significantly affect the outcome of any personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights:
- Contact an experienced lawyer to understand your legal rights and discuss whether you are entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation. If you have serious injuries and someone else caused the car wreck, you should obtain legal representation to pursue a car accident case.
Be sure to follow all your doctor’s treatment recommendations and keep detailed records of your medical expenses. These documents will help establish a link between the crash and your resulting injuries.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider right away. Explain the basic facts of what happened, but avoid admitting any fault or speculating about the cause. Your insurance company will likely contact the at-fault driver’s insurer to begin the claims process.
- Gather any evidence you have of the accident, such as photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Obtain copies of the police report, medical bills, and any other relevant documentation. Write down your recollections of the accident, and include the contact info of any witnesses to the accident if you have it. Keep everything you have about the accident in a file.
A car accident attorney can communicate with the insurance companies, investigate the crash, and fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Potential Compensation in a Speeding Accident Claim
Your compensation after a speeding accident depends on several different factors, including the extent of your injuries and financial losses from the crash. The best step you can take to recover maximum compensation is to hire a capable car accident lawyer to build your case and guide you through the car accident claims process. With effective legal representation, you may pursue compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or other income while you heal from your injuries
- Any reduction in your future earning potential due to your injuries
- Your diminished quality of life after the accident
- Your emotional distress
- Your pain and suffering
Deadline to File a Speeding Accident Lawsuit in Kentucky
Kentucky state law allows two years from the date of an auto accident to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the filing deadline has passed, the court could throw out your case, and you could lose your right to seek compensation. Time is of the essence. Be sure to speak to a car accident lawyer immediately after the crash.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you sustained serious injuries in a car crash caused by a speeding driver, you should understand your legal options for seeking compensation for the injuries you suffered. Our Kentucky car accident attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer want to help you stand up to the insurance companies and pursue every cent you’re owed. Our experienced attorneys are known for their Kentucky Courage.
Call us today or reach out online for a free case review. We have helped many people in difficult situations similar to yours. Let us put our Kentucky Courage to work on your case.
