Speeding: A Leading Cause of Auto Accidents
There are countless factors that contribute to the high number of car accidents that take place each day on the roads across America. But one of the leading causes of auto accidents is speeding. According to data, speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all accidents.
Car accidents have the potential to cause serious personal injuries and result in significant financial damages. However, the injuries and damages in a car accident caused by speeding tend to be even higher, due to the high velocity of the vehicle at the time of impact.
Auto accident victims who are left to deal with the damages of a car crash caused by speeding have rights. The car accident lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. understand the risks of auto accidents and speeding, and are prepared to help Sugar Land, TX clients fight for the compensation they deserve following a car crash.
Speeding Statistics
Speeding is a common practice in America, and most drivers fail to see the dangers involved with speeding. It is a common misconception that, unless a person is driving in excess of 100mph, their driving abilities are not likely to be impacted.
Sadly, that is not the case. Even when a person drives just 5mph above the speed limit, they may increase the risk of a car accident, depending on the situation.
The following statistics help to demonstrate just how risky speeding can be:
- In a typical year, nearly 10,000 people are killed in auto accidents caused by speeding. This averages out to roughly 800 deaths per month.
- About 30 percent of all traffic deaths that occur each year are caused by a speeding driver.
- Young male drivers are the most likely to speed. Nearly 40 percent of males aged 15 to 24 who are killed in an auto accident are speeding at the time of the crash.
- Roughly 40 percent of speeding drivers who are involved in a car crash are also under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Texas is the state with the most traffic accidents caused by speeding.
Speed-related Accident Damages
The damages in an auto accident related to speeding are likely to be extremely high. In fact, it is estimated that speed-related crashes cost Americans about $40 billion per year. These losses are related to hospital expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more.
Speed-related damages tend to be higher than those of other types of car accidents because the increased vehicle speed leads to a greater crash impact. It is common for victims of speed-related crashes to suffer from traumatic brain injuries, head and neck injuries, spine injuries, or even death.
Following an auto accident that is caused by speeding, it is important for accident victims to work with an experienced car crash lawyer, such as those at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. Our attorneys will gather the evidence that is necessary to prove liability in a case so that our clients can be justly rewarded for the full extent of their losses.
Contact Us
If you’ve been the victim of a speed-related car crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and learn more about your legal rights.