Have You Been Injured by a Speeding Driver?
Thousands of different activities can be hazardous or dangerous while driving a car, truck, or van in Chicago. This includes texting while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
When asked, most drivers acknowledge the risks of these activities. Further, many state that they never engage in dangerous habits while behind the wheel.
But of the thousands of potential threats by drivers, one is more common than the rest. Overwhelmingly, drivers in the United States, including those in Chicago, admit to speeding on occasion. And the Chicago car accident lawyers at our office know this to be true.
What are the Hazards of Speeding while Driving?
The definition of speeding is traveling in excess of a posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions. While a single mile per hour over the limit is technically speeding, police officers and local officials generally focus on transit that exceeds the limit by multiple miles per hour. This is because the greater the speed above the limit, the more dangerous and more likelihood of an accident.
Speeding directly impacts driving in several ways:
- First, a speeding car requires a greater distance to slow or stop than a vehicle that is traveling at or below the speed limit. This means that speeders are more likely to cause rear-end collisions, are more likely to run stop signs and red lights, and are less likely to maintain control in situations with heavy traffic.
- Secondly, a speeding vehicle is more difficult to handle and control than a slower moving car. Bumps in the road, potholes, and uneven road surfaces are all more threatening when a car is traveling fast. A slight correction in the position of the steering wheel means a greater change in road position as a vehicle's speed increases.
- Third, speeding also decreases a driver's ability to quickly respond to a hazard in the road. Whether a vehicle in front of a speeding driver drops something from a truck bed or a pedestrian appears on a road's surface, a typical driver will attempt to slow and stop, avoiding a crash. But a speeding driver will cover more of the road's surface per second, bringing that driver closer to the hazard and decreasing the driver's time to respond by adjusting his or her behavior.
What are the Speeding Accident Statistics?
Speeding is so common that numerous advocacy groups, state and federal agencies, and private enterprises track speeding and the resulting effects annually. These statistics are likely understated and under-reported because it is difficult to definitely conclude a vehicle's speed prior to a crash.
As a result, statistics are based on traffic tickets issued for exceeding the speed limit, tickets issued for traveling too fast for conditions, witness testimony, and the self-reporting of drivers.
Speed is a Factor in One-Third of Fatal Accidents
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that since 2003, speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all fatal traffic accidents. In 2012 alone, speeding was present in approximately 30 percent of the fatal accidents across the United States and was a factor in 10,219 deaths.
While most people associate highways and expressways as the locations most likely to harbor speeding, statistics portray a different picture. Minor roads like city streets were the site of the majority of speeding accidents and speeding deaths in 2012. Then expressways and interstates, and finally other major roads.
Speeding Accidents Are Costly and Deadly
On average, the National Safety Council reports that speeding causes more than 13,000 deaths every year. Further, speeding accidents cost Americans more than $40 billion annually.
Speeding is particularly problematic in areas with short distance speed restrictions. For example, school zones and construction zones. In fact, some estimates put speeding to blame in 1 out of 4 accidents that occur in construction zones.
The average American speeding driver is male and male speeders are more likely to get in car accidents than females. Of males ages 15 through 20 who were in fatal collisions, 39 percent of them were speeding.
These statistics may represent a "typical" speeder. However, it is important to remember that motorists who drive too fast can be found among every type of driver. Gender, age, and experience will never guarantee that a driver will operate within the speed limit.
How to get Legal Help After a Chicago Speeding Accident?
Speeding does not pay. For every minute gained by speeding, Americans spend $76,000 in damages. This, from personal injuries, property damages to vehicles, tickets, or other losses. Yet thousands of Chicago drivers admit to speeding every time they are behind the wheel.
When a speeding driver causes an accident and you suffer injuries, you may feel lost and believe that no one is on your side. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are here to help you realize that you have legal rights and that you may be entitled to relief. Our team of Chicago speeding accident lawyers want to help you through every step of your case. We'll be there for you from the time of your accident through a final outcome in your case.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that negligent drivers should have to pay for their actions and the damages they cause. We offer free case consultations with no obligation to those who have accident injuries. Call us at (312) 924-7575.
We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call. We're here to give you answers whenever you need them. If your injuries are too serious to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge a fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf. Further, we fight for the best possible outcome in every case we handle. If you have been hurt in a car accident, let us fight for you.
If you have been injured in a speeding accident, call us now at (312) 924-7575 or Contact Us online for a free case consultation.