Speeding Accidents Attorneys in Richmond & Tappahannock, Virginia

Speeding in Car Accidents

There are many factors that can lead to a car accident, such as drunk or distracted driving. But we often overlook one of the more common causes: speeding. While speeding may be more culturally acceptable than driving under the influence of alcohol, it is still illegal and reckless behavior that can lead to serious injury or death.

Speed limits are not guidelines. When drivers choose to travel at unsafe and excessive speeds, they are less able to quickly respond to changes in traffic or road conditions. And the result can be catastrophic. If you have been injured in an accident caused by speeding, you have the right to seek monetary compensation from the irresponsible driver and their insurance company. Richmond speeding accident lawyer Ryan Wind and his team at Wind Law, LLC, have helped many victims successfully negotiate personal injury settlements arising from these most preventable crashes.

The Role of Speeding in Car Accidents

Virginia law sets the default speed limit at 55 miles per hour on most highways. In some cases the speed limit can be as high as 70 miles per hour. But certain vehicles like commercial semi-trucks may be restricted to just 45 miles per hour on certain highways.

Obviously, if a police officer catches a driver speeding, that can lead to a traffic citation and a fine. But when speeding is a primary or contributing factor to an auto accident, it can serve as proof of a driver’s negligence. The reasons for speeding are irrelevant. You cannot justify a traffic accident by telling a judge, “But I was running late for work!” All drivers have a legal duty of care to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. This means obeying all of the traffic laws, including posted speed limits.

Speeding in Car Accidents

The reality is that any high-speed collision involving a motor vehicle can lead to traumatic, life-threatening injuries. Some common examples include concussions (traumatic brain injuries), broken bones, neck sprains, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage. In the most severe cases a victim may be killed or suffer permanent paralysis.

Even in non-critical cases, a car accident can still leave a victim with thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills and lost wages due to time missed from work. These victims have the right to seek compensation through either a personal injury settlement with the speeding driver’s insurance company or a lawsuit.

At the same time, it is important to understand that just because a driver was speeding, that does not automatically mean they will be required to pay damages. Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule in car accident cases. This means even if a defendant was speeding or otherwise negligent, they can still avoid paying any compensation if they can show the plaintiff was even partially at-fault for causing the accident.

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Contact Speeding Accidents Lawyers in Richmond & Tappahannock Today

Speeding is often just one of several negligent acts that lead to a car accident. An experienced Richmond speeding accidents lawyer can fully investigate your case and advise you of your best options for seeking compensation. Contact our Richmond personal injury lawyers at Wind Law, LLC, today to schedule an initial consultation.