The traffic in Los Angeles is notoriously bad, and the stop-and-go nature of it can lead to aggressive driving, including speeding. When drivers choose to speed, they put everyone on the road at risk. Drivers who speed have less time to react to things that happen on the road, increasing the likelihood of a collision. High-speed collisions are more likely to cause catastrophic injury or death than accidents at lower speeds.
Have You Been Injured in a Speeding Accident? Our Attorneys Can Help
If another person’s speeding has caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. The personal injury attorneys at Saeedian Law Group are here to help. Our skilled attorneys will handle your case from start to finish while you focus on your recovery. Contact Saeedian Law Group today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Speeding Contributes to Serious and Fatal Car Accidents
Speeding is common, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t perilous. Speeding has been involved in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle-related fatalities in the United States over the last few decades, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2020, speeding caused the deaths of 11,258 people. When a driver chooses to drive above the posted speed limit or too fast for the road conditions, the consequences can be far-ranging, including:
- Increased degree of severity leading to more severe injuries
- Increase stopping distance after the driver perceives danger or hazard on the road
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment in the vehicle
- Greater likelihood that the driver will lose control of the vehicle
Common Causes of Speeding Accidents
Many different factors can cause a driver to speed. In many cases, drivers speed. They could be running late because they haven’t given themselves enough time to reach their destination. Traffic may be worse than anticipated, leading them to drive at excessive speeds just to make an appointment. Drivers may not even notice how fast they are going. Additionally, the dense traffic in Los Angeles can make drivers frustrated and aggressive.
Speeding is aggressive driving. None of these justifications for speeding make drivers less liable for injuries caused by their negligent driving.
Liability in Speeding Accident Cases
To recover compensation after an injury caused by speeding, victims will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the collision. Negligence means a failure to act reasonably under the circumstances. Under California law, all drivers have a duty to drive reasonably under the circumstances to prevent injury. When a driver chooses to speed at a higher rate than the posted speed limit, he or she breaches their duty to drive reasonably.
Likewise, when drivers use excessive speed under the circumstances, they can be held financially accountable for the injuries they cause. Even when a driver is driving at or below the speed limit, they can be held liable if a reasonable person would have slowed down under the circumstances. For example, a reasonable person would slow down if there is heavy fog or a downpour of rain that makes visibility limited.
Comparative Fault in Speeding Accident Cases
In California, courts practice a system of comparative fault in personal injury cases. The court may examine the actions of all parties that led to the collision. They will assign blame based on each party’s contribution to the accident. After the court has assigned each party a percentage of fault, they can adjust the victim’s compensation according to their percentage of fault.
For example, if the driver who caused your accident is determined to be 75% at fault for the accident, and you were determined to be 25% at fault, your reward will be reduced by 25%. Working with an experienced attorney can help you prove that you were not at fault for the accident or decrease the percentage of liability assigned to you so you can recover compensation.
Recovering Compensation After a Speeding Accident
When a driver is determined to be at fault for a car accident, the victim can hold the driver financially responsible for all the damages associated with their injuries. The plaintiff’s compensation includes compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and other easily quantifiable damages.
Victims are also entitled to non-economic damages for the emotional suffering they’ve endured from their injuries, such as pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and reduction in quality of life. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have an extensive network of medical and financial professionals who can help you understand the total value of your claim so that you can pursue the total amount you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in California?
The thought of pursuing a legal claim after being seriously injured in a speeding accident may be overwhelming. However, it’s essential to understand that victims of car accidents only have a limited amount of time to file a legal claim. California has a statute of limitations, or a time limit, for personal injury accident cases.
In most cases, those pursuing compensation after an accident only have two years from their injury to file a lawsuit. Waiting longer than this deadline to take legal action jeopardizes your legal right to compensation. The sooner you discuss your case with an attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin investigating and gathering evidence.
Contact an Experienced Attorney to Discuss Your Case Today
If your loved one has been seriously injured in a speeding accident in Los Angeles, you are not alone. The skilled attorneys at Saeedian Law Group will investigate the accident that resulted in your injuries and develop an effective legal strategy for obtaining compensation. We will negotiate for the best outcome possible in your case. Contact Saeedian Law Group today to schedule your free initial consultation.
