How Speeding Can Lead to Dangerous Car Accidents

 Posted on April 30,2019 in Speeding

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. In many instances, these accidents are caused by the careless actions of a driver. Reckless driving can range from drinking and driving to failing to signal when turning or following other vehicles too closely. One of the most deadly forms of reckless driving is speeding. Despite the risk of traffic tickets and potential loss of driving privileges, drivers regularly choose to drive at speeds above the legal speed limit. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, you may be entitled to significant injury compensation.

The Consequences of Speeding

In the United States, speeding is a primary factor in more than 25 percent of all fatal motor vehicle collisions. In 2017, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 9,717 Americans were killed in collisions caused by speeding drivers. In today’s busy world, people tend to speed because they are in a hurry to get from place to place.

Listed below are some of the risks drivers face here in the greater Chicagoland area and how those risks can be compounded by driving at dangerous speeds:

• Inclement Weather: Drivers in the state of Illinois need to be aware of the impact adverse weather conditions can have on the road. During winter months, snow and ice on the road can lead a person to lose control of their vehicle. Rain on the pavement can also cause vehicles to hydroplane, and precipitation can turn into ice if temperatures drop overnight. Speeding, when the driving conditions are less than ideal, can be one of the most dangerous factors leading to a car accident.
• Decreased Vehicle Control: When traveling at a high rate of speed, drivers risk losing control of their vehicles. If a motorist is forced to dodge an object on the road, such as a pedestrian, another car, a bicyclist, or an animal, his or her reaction time and ability to steer the vehicle will be diminished. Sudden changes in steering motion can cause a rollover accident. If a driver must navigate a sharp turn in the road, he or she may not be able to complete the turn due to speed and thus careen off the roadway, especially if it is known to be a dangerous highway.
• Heavy Traffic: For commuters in and around the city of Chicago, gridlock is a way of life. While heavy traffic may lead to frustration and ultimately make someone want to speed in order to make up for lost time, driving above the speed limit can be especially dangerous when surrounded by large numbers of vehicles. For one, heavy traffic brings on a greater number of aggressive drivers, so speeding simply adds to the problem. Second, heavy traffic can often start and stop sporadically, so if a person is driving above the speed limit, it may be difficult for him or her to react to a sudden halt in traffic flow. This can lead to a rear-end collision.

Vehicle accidents due to the factors above can range from minor fender benders to massive, multi-car pileups. Passengers and drivers can sustain serious injuries, including whiplash, fractures, internal bleeding, paralysis, and more. Recovery time from these injuries can take several days or even months, which often means time off work and lost income. Medical bills can also add up, which can quickly deplete your savings. If a driver who was speeding caused your accident, he or she may be held liable for damages to you and your vehicle, depending on the circumstances. It is important to seek legal advice on what your options are for reclaiming lost wages, not to mention compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision due to speed, you may be uncertain about your options. The financial ramifications of vehicular damage and medical bills can be daunting. Fortunately, a qualified legal professional can help you collect the injury compensation your family deserves. At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., we are prepared to aggressively represent our clients in pursuit of compensation. If your family is in need, we are confident in our ability to provide the highest quality legal representation. To schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding