How Often Is Speeding a Factor in Fatal Car Wrecks?

Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal car wrecks in the United States. In 2022, speeding killed 12,151 people and left many others injured. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) defines speeding as exceeding the posted speed limit, driving too fast for road conditions, or racing.

Speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road and not only claims lives but destroys property. This blog looks at how often speeding is a factor in fatal car wrecks and how you can prove the other driver drove above the speed limit when seeking compensation. If you or a loved one was involved in a car crash caused by a speeding driver, our attorneys can help.

Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you determine whether the other driver was speeding during the crash so you can seek fair compensation. Our initial consultation is free, so call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.

Why Choose Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to Represent You?

Dealing with car accident injuries is never easy, and seeking compensation while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our dedicated team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can represent your interests, protect your rights, and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for fair compensation.

We will investigate your case and help you gather the necessary evidence to prove that the other driver was speeding. We will also calculate your damages and ensure the insurance company pays you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are always available to listen to you and provide guidance, so do not hesitate to contact us now.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we work tirelessly for all of our clients, and our track record is a testament to the experience and skill we bring to every case.

Why Is Speeding Such a Problem?

With the number of accidents caused by speeding, it is surprising that many drivers don’t see it as a problem. Some consider it necessary to get to their location faster, while others do it for the thrill. Regardless of people’s opinions on speeding, it is best to know why speeding is such a problem.

The following are reasons why speeding is a worrisome issue:

Reduced Reaction Time

Speeding makes it harder to react in unexpected situations, like a sudden stop by a car in front of you or a pedestrian dashing into the street. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time the driver has to respond to emergencies, increasing the chances of an accident.

Increased Stopping Distance

The faster a car travels, the more stopping distance it needs because of the time it takes both for a vehicle’s brakes to halt and for drivers to react. Therefore, if a driver travels at high speeds, even a slight delay can lead to a collision, especially if they are tailgating the driver in front of them.

Greater Impact Force

The severity of injuries and vehicle damage after a crash also depends on how fast the driver traveled. When a driver goes beyond the speed limit, the collision is more forceful, increasing the chances of rollover, ejections, fatalities, and fractures as the body absorbs the force of impact.

Loss of Vehicle Control

Drivers who speed are likely to lose control of their vehicles, especially when navigating curves or adverse weather conditions. It can also cause the car to veer off the road, skid, or flip over.

Decreased Effectiveness of Safety Devices

High speeds make safety devices like seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones less effective. These devices are designed to work optimally at certain speeds, and when a driver exceeds them, their ability to prevent severe injuries or death decreases.

How Often Is Speeding a Factor in Fatal Car Wrecks?

Speeding causes fatal car accidents far too often, as seen in speeding accident statistics. In 2023, Texas recorded 180 accidents caused by drivers exceeding the speed limit. 52 passengers died in those collisions, and 21 pedestrians were killed.

The Texas Department of Transportation also recorded 161,752 speed-related crashes, with 1,294 fatal accidents and 1,456 fatalities. Accidents caused by speeding are more common with young male drivers aged between 15 and 24. Also, when combined with alcohol, speeding drivers are more likely to cause fatal accidents.

The link between speeding and fatal car accidents makes it very important to enforce speed limits and educate drivers on the dangers of speeding. 

How Can You Prove the Other Person Drove Over the Speed Limit?

If you want compensation after a car accident and believe that the other driver was speeding and the speed caused the crash, it is vital to prove they exceeded the speed limit. Thankfully, there are several ways to do this, and we discuss them below.

Police Report

After an accident, police officers will be dispatched to the scene to clear the road and investigate the case. These officers will write a report on their observations, including whether the drivers involved were speeding. They will also note skid marks, points of impact, and the extent of vehicle damage.

If the officers believe that speeding contributed to or caused the accident, they may issue a citation to the driver. This citation and the crash report are crucial evidence for your personal injury claim.

Witness Statements

Those who witnessed the accident, such as passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers, can also testify as to whether the other driver was speeding. Their account of events is vital, especially if the statements match and meet the criteria for corroborative evidence. Aside from independent eyewitness testimony, expert witness testimony is also crucial.

Accident reconstructionist experts can analyze the crash scene and provide testimony based on their findings. They often use skid marks, the final placement of the vehicles, and damage patterns to determine if a driver was speeding.

Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction involves analyzing the factors that led to a crash using available physical evidence. When a collision happens, the accident reconstruction expert will use skid marks to determine the speed at which a driver traveled before applying brakes. They will also examine the damage to both vehicles to determine the speed and examine data from the car’s black box if it has one.

Surveillance Footage 

If the accident happened in an area with traffic cameras, the footage can show whether the other driver was speeding. The focus here is usually whether the driver was going faster than surrounding traffic. The security camera footage of nearby businesses or homes can also be used to make such a determination.

Dashcam Footage 

If one of the vehicles involved in the accident or other drivers on the road had dash cams, they might have captured the speed of the suspected at-fault driver. Dashcams provide a time-stamped record of events and can show whether the other driver’s speed was higher when the accident happened.

Hire an Attorney

Our lawyers have deep roots in different Texas cities and have access to the resources and personnel to help prove the at-fault driver was speeding. We hire accident reconstructionists to assemble what happened and present the evidence during the claims process.

Aside from the above, you can also prove speed occurred using GPS and telematics data, admissions by the driver suspected of speeding, and weather and road conditions.

We can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your claim and present it during proceedings to show that the other driver was speeding when the accident occurred.

Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents Caused By Speeding

Avoiding motor vehicle accidents caused by speeding is vital for your safety. Below, we share tips you can follow to keep yourself, passengers, and other motorists safe on the road.

• Observe Speed Limits: Always follow the posted speed limits, which are set based on road conditions, traffic patterns, and safety considerations. If driving under adverse weather conditions, adjust your speed even if the limit is high.
• Plan Ahead: It is better to leave ahead of time to avoid feeling rushed, which could cause you to speed. Plan your route and familiarize yourself with traffic patterns to adjust your speed appropriately.
• Use Cruise Control: When driving on highways, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed within the legal limit. This will help you prevent unintentional speeding, especially if traveling a long distance.
• Stay Calm and Avoid Speeding Drivers: Always stay calm behind the wheel, even if you encounter speeding or aggressive drivers. Don’t start racing them; the roadway is not a racetrack.
• Monitor Your Speed: Always glance at your speedometer when driving to ensure you are not exceeding the speed limit. You can also use modern innovations like speed-monitoring apps or devices to alert you when you exceed the speed limit.

Were You Involved in an Accident Caused by Speeding? We Can Help You Seek Compensation!

If you were involved in an accident caused by speeding or you lost a loved one in such an accident, you can bring a claim against the responsible driver for financial compensation. Our attorneys have represented thousands of car accident victims and can help you, too. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.