If you take an unofficial poll about the most common causes behind motor vehicle accidents, drunk driving and texting while driving might top the list. Speeding usually falls further down in the rankings. Many Michigan motorists don’t think traveling a little too fast is a big issue, and plenty will admit that they speed themselves. Unfortunately, a recent article in Insurance Journal delivers some sobering statistics. Speeding is the riskiest form of careless, reckless driving, and it creates massive safety threats to everyone on the roadway.
You do have rights if you were injured in an auto accident caused by another driver’s speeding or other unreasonably dangerous conduct behind the wheel. The key to seeking monetary damages for your losses is retaining experienced legal counsel to handle the process and address multiple pitfalls along the way. You can trust our team at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC to provide solid representation, so please call (313) 818-3238 set up a free consultation with a Detroit car accident attorney.
Speed Limits Improve Road Safety
A posted speed limit isn’t some evil plot implemented by officials to cause hassles and frustration for motorists. Regulations exist because there are potentially hazardous factors and conditions along the applicable stretch of roadway. By going the speed limit, you’re in a better position to minimize the impact of several threats:
- Twists and curves;
- Steep hills or grades that limit your visibility;
- Increases in traffic during various periods of the day, such as rush hour;
- Traffic signs and signals;
- Connecting roads, intersections, and merging traffic;
- Designated bike lanes and crosswalks; and
- Narrow lanes or no shoulder.
In addition, you should note that speeding can be risky behavior even when you’re not violating the law. Limits are intended to indicate the fastest velocity that drivers should be traveling in ideal conditions. Detroit weather, including sleet, rain, hail, snow, and fog, may require motorists to drive slower to remain safe.
Why Excessive Speed is So Risky
Speeding is dangerous because it increases both the risks of accidents and the severity of the accident when they do occur. At higher speeds, motorists need more time to identify factors that may contribute to an accident. Therefore, they also need additional time to react. The most appropriate response will depend on the hazard, but it might be coming to a stop, slowing down, or veering away. Excessive speed makes it difficult or impossible to make the decision and complete these maneuvers.
Another key reason speeding is so risky is that it affects the behaviors and reactions of other motorists. When you’re making a turn, you assess how fast other vehicles are traveling before you initiate the maneuver. If one of them isn’t complying with the speed limit, you could be turning directly into a deadly collision. The same is true if you’re a pedestrian or bicyclist, and you don’t have accurate information on the vehicle’s speed.
How Speed Affects a Car Accident Claim
Auto collision cases are usually based upon the legal principle of negligence, where a motorist causes a crash through the failure to exercise reasonable care when driving. Speeding is one example of negligence. Even if the at-fault driver doesn’t receive a ticket for going too fast, you could recover compensation by proving that the person’s speeding was unreasonably dangerous. In a successful claim, you may be entitled to such monetary damages as:
- Medical costs;
- Lost income; and
- Pain and suffering.
Trust a Michigan Car Accidents Lawyer to Protect Your Interests
It’s troubling to know that so many drivers are putting others in danger with risky speeding, but it may come as a relief to know that you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. To learn more about your legal options as the victim of a speed-related crash, please contact Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC.
You can call our Detroit office at (313) 818-3238 or visit our online contact form to schedule a free case assessment with a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you on your rights