Speeding and Personal Injury
Speeding is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents. It can result in citations or jail time for guilty drivers as well as injuries or death for others on the roadways.
Roads have posted legal speed limits that protect drivers and keep pedestrians safe. Drivers who exceed the legal speed limit put others, as well as themselves, at a higher risk. Personal injuries that result from the actions of speeding drivers can lead to costly medical treatments, pain or disability, and the loss of income. The following will help you understand speeding violations so that you can successfully file a personal injury claim.
Speeding and Car Collisions
Speeding prevents drivers from stopping their vehicles in time to avoid crashing into others. In addition, higher speeds increase the level of impact and the severity of the injuries that are sustained.
The group that’s most likely to be involved in speed-related fatalities are male drivers between the ages of 15 and 24. It’s also been observed that many of these drivers fail to use seatbelts, which further increases their risk of serious injuries or death.
Drunk drivers are also more likely to speed, combining two potentially deadly factors that put them and everyone around them at risk.
Consequences of Speeding
Speeding contributes to the incidence of fractures, sprains, burns, and other injuries. These can affect the head and neck, which increases the risk of spinal cord trauma.
Paralysis and the loss of limbs can occur as a result of accidents that were caused by speeding drivers. Many innocent bystanders suffer injuries or are killed by drivers who exceed the legal speed limits. The automobiles of speeding drivers and those around them can be damaged, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs or compensation from insurance companies.
The risks involved with speeding increase in areas that include school zones and construction sites. Speeding in poor weather conditions can also increase the likelihood of injuries. Although most speeding violations result in traffic citations, those that cause injuries can lead to legal claims. Speeding drivers may be charged with negligence and be found liable for damages that are sustained by others. Injured drivers or pedestrians can file claims to recover financial losses due to medical care and loss of employment. Compensation for pain and suffering as well as the loss of consortium may also be sought out.
Georgia Laws
Georgia’s speed law dictates that an individual shall not drive faster than is reasonable under existing conditions and with regard to potential and existing hazards.
First-time speeding violators may receive a fine that is no more than $1,000, a maximum of 12 months in jail, or the suspension of their license for up to 5 years depending on the circumstances.
Georgia’s “absolute” speed limit law allows citations to be given to drivers who exceed the speed limit by as little as 1 mph.
Drivers may challenge the police officer’s assessment of their speed, defend their actions as necessary in an emergency, or assert that they were incorrectly identified as the speeding vehicle.
Georgia’s point system can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license. Points that are assigned for speeding are based on the amount by which the driver exceeds the legal limit.
If you’ve been injured by a speeding driver, you should consult with a qualified attorney who will help you determine the extent of your injuries and the value of your claim.
The proper legal resources can help you deal with insurance companies, provide the necessary evidence to support your claim, and navigate through the complex court systems if necessary. With quality legal representation on your side, you’ll be more likely to obtain the compensation you deserve and hold the guilty party accountable for your pain and suffering. More importantly, you can get the support you need to overcome your injuries and restore your quality of life.
If you or someone you know have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, contact CP Law Group today at 1-844-5-I’M-HURT (1-844-546-4878) to get the help you deserve. Contact Us.