Speeding Accidents

Accidents caused by motorists driving too fast are one of the top reasons people get into accidents on New Jersey highways. Speed limit accidents can be prevented by staying out of the way when you see a driver speeding, but you can’t always avoid them. If you’re hit by a speeding vehicle, contact an experienced speeding lawyer at RAM Law. They know the New Jersey no-fault laws inside out, and they’ll get you the compensation you deserve. Call as soon as possible.

What Percent of Motor Vehicle Accidents Are Caused by Speeding?

There are many different causes of vehicle accidents, but one of the top causes of trucking accidents, car and motorcycle accidents is speeding. More than one out of every ten vehicle accidents are caused by driving too fast, and close to one-third of traffic fatalities are attributed to speeding. On American highways in 2023, almost 41,000 people died in highway accidents, about a third (or about 13,660) were involved in speeding-related accidents.

Drivers who don’t obey the speed limits may not be able to stop suddenly. The inability to stop or control a vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries to the speeding driver and innocent people. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by speeding or reckless driving, our knowledgeable speeding accident attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. In New Jersey, find the top car accident attorneys at RAM Law.

What Makes Speeding So Dangerous?

When drivers don’t follow the speed limit, accidents are more likely to happen. The risk of having a bad accident becomes even worse if speeding is combined with distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Driving too fast is so dangerous for a number of reasons, including:

• There’s less time to react to a potentially dangerous situation.
• The distance needed to stop is greater than it is for a vehicle moving at a slower speed.
• There’s a greater potential for losing control of the vehicle.
• Speed limit accidents can cause injuries that can be much more severe than other types of accidents.

Excessive speed can make road safety features such as guardrails, concrete barriers and median dividers less effective at protecting the occupants of a vehicle. Going just a little faster than you should may make it impossible to navigate challenging road conditions such as wet or icy roads or driving in areas that aren’t well-lit.

Drivers of large vehicles such as trucks and buses need to be especially mindful of the devastation they can cause innocent people such as other drivers, pedestrians or bicyclists if they lose control of their vehicle. Speeding vehicles may have blind spots, which are areas in which the driver can’t see other nearby vehicles.

Why Do Drivers Speed?

Your speeding accident lawyer has seen drivers speed excessively even when they know better and increase the chances of having a wreck. While investigating car accidents caused by speeding, your NJ lawyers have found that the most common reasons drivers speed include:

• Running late for work or an appointment
• Seeing themselves as good drivers who don’t believe they’ll lose control of their vehicle
• Believing posted speed limits are too slow
• Not believing they’ll get caught
• Not knowing the speed limit
• Not seeing any other vehicles nearby

Drivers who are on a long trip or who have been driving for hours may feel more and more impatient to arrive at their destination. Some people find it thrilling to drive fast or to know they’re breaking the law and getting away with it.

What if I Got a Speeding Ticket I Don’t Deserve?

Drivers who recklessly disregard posted speed limits and endanger others should be held accountable, but not all speeding tickets are legitimate. Efforts to control speeding drivers sometimes results in speeding tickets being issued to drivers who may not deserve them. Reasons a speeding ticket may not be deserved include:

• Speed detection equipment may be inaccurate.
• Devices such as traffic cameras may not be properly installed or maintained.
• Errors may happen when equipment isn’t used by trained personnel.

Penalties issued for speeding tickets can be harsh and may include fines, points and auto insurance premium increases. Good drivers sometimes lose track of their speed, and you may want to consider talking to a NJ speeding attorney before automatically paying a speeding ticket. If you have had a speeding ticket issued that you feel is unfair or inaccurate, a speeding lawyer can help by thoroughly investigating the facts in your case and may be able to get the ticket reduced or dismissed.

How Can Drivers Avoid Speeding?

Even if you’re not an aggressive driver, you may still drive faster than you should from time to time. You may find yourself driving too fast because you’re distracted or because you’re trying to keep up with the flow of traffic. Tips to help you be a safer driver and avoid speeding accidents include:

• Pay attention to posted speed limits.
• Use cruise control to help you stay at a consistent speed.
• Get in the habit of trying to leave a few minutes early when you’re headed to an appointment or work so you’re not racing the clock.
• Stay with the flow of traffic, but don’t try to keep up with drivers who are driving too fast.
• Allow tailgaters to pass you.

Drivers need to be always alert. If traffic is slowing down, you need to slow down with it. Reduce your speed in bad weather, poor visibility or in areas where roads aren’t in good condition. If you see another vehicle that’s driving too fast, give them plenty of space since they’re at an increased risk of losing control of their vehicle.

What Kind of Injuries Are Caused by Speeding Accidents?

Unfortunately, many drivers operate vehicles faster than the speed limit every day. Car accidents caused by speeding can lead to catastrophic injuries and sometimes fatalities. Examples of injuries that can occur because of a speeding accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and bruises
• Burn injuries
• Lacerations
• Scarring or disfiguration

Injuries caused by a speeding accident are much more serious than injuries people sustain from a fender bender or a wreck with a slow-moving vehicle. Victims of speeding accidents often require extensive medical treatment on a long-term basis. If the spinal cord is injured, it could lead to permanent paralysis, and limbs that are crushed may have to be amputated.

What Should I Do after a Speeding Accident?

A speeding accident can happen when you least expect it. The first thing you should do after a speeding accident is to make sure you’re safe. Move your vehicle to a safe location if you can. If you’ve been injured or if there are any passenger injuries, call 911 to get medical help. Other steps you should take after a speeding accident include:

• Exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Contacting law enforcement, since a police report helps support your claims
• Notifying your own insurance company, but withholding any statement until you’ve talked to your speeding lawyer
• Gathering evidence by taking photos or videos
• Getting contact information from eyewitnesses that are willing to provide a statement
• Contacting your New Jersey speeding accident attorney at RAM Law

Even if you think your injuries aren’t severe, get evaluated by a medical professional. Immediately after an accident, you may be in shock, and you may not realize the extent of your injuries right away. Don’t make any statements to the other driver’s insurance company, and don’t accept a settlement offer without discussing it with an attorney who specializes in speeding accidents.

What Kind of Compensation Should I Receive after a Speeding Accident Injury?

Injuries from a motor vehicle accident can completely turn your life upside down. You may be faced with enormous medical bills, time out of work and financial challenges. The challenges you face may be even worse if your injuries are permanent. You may be entitled to several different types of compensation such as:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Diminished quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Each speeding accident is different, and a NJ speeding accident attorney has the knowledge and experience needed to thoroughly investigate your accident and to help you understand your rights. Some actions your NJ speeding accident lawyer may take include:

• Visiting the scene of the accident
• Consulting expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists
• Gathering and preserving evidence
• Examining medical reports
• Filing needed documentation for your claim

A speeding accident lawyer has a deep understanding of New Jersey laws and filing deadlines that may impact your case. Your NJ personal injury lawyer acts as your voice in dealing with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.

Why Should I Choose RAM Law as My Speeding Accident Attorney?

Speeding accidents have the potential to cause great bodily harm or death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of someone else’s decision to drive too fast, you deserve to have the best legal representation you possibly can. When you choose RAM Law to represent you in a speeding accident claim, you’re entrusting your case to board-certified attorneys with extensive experience representing clients who have been hurt in New Jersey speeding-related accidents.

Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation

The effects of an accident, especially at high speeds can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a speeding driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled car accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.