Richmond Speeding Car Accident Lawyers
According to the DMV’s 2022 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, speeding accounted for 20% of all traffic crashes and 22% of all traffic injuries that year. A closer look at the data shows speeding was responsible for 33.6% of all serious injuries and 43.9% of all traffic fatalities. In other words, car accidents caused by speeding prove to be far more dangerous and severe than most other car accidents. The force of a crash is a function of the vehicles’ masses times their speeds, and the faster a car is going, the worse the collision will be.
At Latham & Martin, we understand the devastating impact that speeding car accidents can have on victims and their families. Our dedicated personal injury law firm is here to assist those who have been injured as a result of speeding, including crashes involving negligent, aggressive and reckless driving. If you have been hurt in a crash caused by a speeding driver in Henrico, Hanover or Chesterfield County, or if you lost a loved one in a tragic crash that should not have happened, call our Richmond speeding car accident lawyers to evaluate your claim and offer our advice and assistance to help you get justice and compensation for the damage done to you.
Virginia Traffic Speed Laws
In Virginia, speed limits are clearly defined and regulated. The following are the primary speed laws in the Commonwealth:
- General Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit is 55 mph on most highways and 70 mph on certain interstate highways.
- Urban Areas: Speed limits typically range from 25 to 35 mph in urban areas and residential neighborhoods.
- School Zones: Speed limits are reduced in school zones, usually to 15 or 25 mph, during specific hours.
- Reckless Driving: Driving 20 mph over the speed limit, or over 80 mph regardless of the limit, is considered reckless driving, a serious offense that can lead to substantial penalties. In addition, a speeding driver can be considered negligent and liable to the people they hit, and the fact of their speeding alone is often enough to hold them legally responsible. Extremely excessive speed might also justify the imposition of punitive damages on a negligent driver.
Dangers of Speeding That Lead to Car Accidents
Speeding significantly increases the risks on the road. Here’s how:
- Reduced Reaction Time: Higher speeds decrease the ability to respond to sudden obstacles or changes in road conditions.
- Increased Stopping Distance: Stopping a vehicle takes longer at higher speeds, making collisions more likely.
- Loss of Control: Emergency maneuvers at high speed can cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle and create extremely dangerous situations for multiple drivers on the road.
- Enhanced Severity of Crashes: As noted above, the force of impact rises with speed, leading to more severe injuries and property damage.
Common Types of Speeding Accidents in Virginia
Speeding can cause many different types of accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a speeding driver cannot stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front. Speeding-induced rear-end crashes are most common on highways when a speeding driver can’t adjust in time to a sudden traffic slowdown
- Intersection Crashes: Speeding through intersections can lead to devastating T-bone collisions. These include drivers who ignore stop signs or who intentionally speed in an attempt to beat a changing light.
- Single-Car Accidents: Losing control at high speeds may lead to a single-car accident where the vehicle strikes an object like a tree or guardrail. These out-of-control vehicles can also strike other cars, as well as forcing other drivers off the road or into a crash to avoid getting hit.
Injuries Resulting from Speeding Car Accidents
The injuries from speeding accidents can be severe and life-altering. Some of the most serious include:
- Head and Brain Injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal Cord Damage, which may result in paralysis or chronic pain
- Broken Bones and Fractures, commonly affecting limbs, ribs, and the pelvis
- Internal Injuries, including damage to organs and internal bleeding
Contact Latham & Martin Today
Speeding car accidents are a grave concern in Virginia, leading to far too many catastrophic injuries and fatalities. At Latham & Martin, our Richmond personal injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of such accidents seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a speeding car accident, don’t hesitate to contact our firm to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation and guidance through every step of the legal process.
