Speeding Causes One-Third of Car Accidents in Texas
In Texas, speeding is both a significant and deeply concerning problem. Speeding is so dangerous that it’s a factor in one-third of all car accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Texas. At Nava Law Group, our personal injury lawyers know how tempting it can be to exceed the speed limit to make up time when you’re running late or simply to get home a little quicker after a long day. However, the consequences of doing so go beyond property damage, often resulting in severe injuries, death, and lasting trauma for victims and their families. As a car accident lawyer in Texas, we’ve seen the devastating aftermath of these preventable accidents firsthand, and we’re dedicated to offering expert legal representation for accident victims, helping them seek justice and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, contact Nava Law Group today for a free consultation.
Why Speeding Is a Problem in Texas
Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. and truly lives up to its reputation for doing things big. Traveling across Texas isn’t a quick trip — driving from one end to the other can take days. That’s one of the reasons Texas boasts the country’s highest speed limit, at 85 miles per hour. While these faster limits are typically found in rural stretches of highway, they also spur conversations about the challenges of speeding on Texas roads.
According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, over 14,000 car accidents were caused by speeding in 2020. This resulted in 926 fatalities and thousands more injuries. These numbers are staggering and show just how prevalent speeding is on our roads. What’s even more concerning is that these statistics only represent reported accidents. Many accidents go unreported, meaning the actual numbers could be much higher.
How Speeding Impacts Driver Response
Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or avoid obstacles in the roadway, putting both the driver and others at risk. It not only makes it harder to maintain control of the vehicle but also greatly increases the stopping distance required to avoid collisions. Additionally, speeding reduces the time available to make critical decisions, potentially leading to devastating consequences.
The Dangers of Speeding in Bad Weather
Speeding becomes even more dangerous in bad weather, where visibility and road conditions are far from ideal. When roads are wet, icy, or covered in snow, tires lose much of their grip, significantly reducing a driver’s ability to control the vehicle and stop quickly when needed. This lack of traction can cause skidding, sliding, or hydroplaning, especially when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds. Speeding in such circumstances drastically increases the likelihood of a fatal accident, as drivers are less able to react to sudden changes, obstacles, or other vehicles on the road. These accidents often result in extensive vehicle damage, injuries, or even death, underscoring the importance of adjusting your speed to match the weather and driving conditions.
Speeding Causes Increased Risk for Pedestrian Injury or Death
Pedestrians, in particular, are extremely vulnerable to speeding vehicles due to their lack of protection in the event of a collision. When a vehicle surpasses the speed limit, the driver’s ability to react to a pedestrian crossing the street or appearing unexpectedly is significantly reduced, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents. Additionally, the severity of a collision increases dramatically with speed. For instance, a pedestrian struck by a car moving at 30 mph has a 50% chance of survival. However, at 40 mph, that chance drops to just 10%, highlighting how even small speed increases can have devastating consequences. These statistics underline the critical importance of complying with speed limits, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and urban streets.
Other Consequences of Speeding
Speeding is more than just a minor traffic violation. It has severe consequences that can impact individuals, families, and communities. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2019 alone, more than 22,000 car accidents were caused by speeding on Texas roads. These accidents resulted in nearly 600 fatalities and over 2,500 serious injuries. The financial toll of these accidents adds up to millions of dollars each year in property damage and medical expenses. But behind every statistic are real people with lives forever changed by the reckless actions of others.
Physical Injuries
The most apparent consequence of speeding-related car accidents is physical injury. High-speed collisions can be devastating, resulting in broken bones, internal injuries, traumatic brain injury, and more. Often, extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation are required for these injuries, which can take a toll on the victim’s physical and emotional well-being. In severe cases, victims may even be permanently disabled or disfigured as a result of their injuries.
Emotional Trauma
Car accidents caused by speeding not only cause physical harm but also have lasting emotional effects on victims and their families. Following a car accident, many struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The trauma resulting from a car accident can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life, leading to difficulties in relationships, work, and daily functioning.
Property Damage
Speeding car accidents often result in significant property damage, which can include damage to vehicles, road signs, fences, buildings, and other structures near the crash site. The impact of such accidents can leave cars severely damaged or totaled, requiring extensive repairs or even full replacements. Repairing or replacing damaged property is expensive and time-consuming, creating financial and logistical burdens for both the victim and the at-fault driver.
Common Injuries Caused by Speeding
Serious accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries that vary in severity. Some injuries may heal over time with proper medical care, while others can result in long-term or even permanent consequences, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Each of these injuries requires specific medical attention and rehabilitation, and the recovery process can often be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. Common injuries sustained in speeding accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Paralysis
What to Do After a Speeding Accident
Being involved in a speeding accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It’s important to know the steps to take immediately afterward to protect your health, rights, and ability to seek compensation for any damages. From seeking medical attention to contacting a lawyer, following these steps can help you navigate the accident aftermath with greater confidence:
- Seek Medical Attention – If you’re involved in a speeding accident, your first step should always be to seek medical attention. It’s crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation, as some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent and could worsen over time.
- File a Police Report – It’s essential to file a police report after any car accident, especially if you plan on filing a claim. A police report can provide crucial evidence to support your case and will also document the details of the accident.
- Gather Evidence – After ensuring your health is addressed, gather as much information as possible from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information – Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This should include their full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and the name of their insurance company, along with the policy number.
- File a Claim With Your Insurance – Contact your insurance company immediately following the accident to report the incident. Be sure to provide them with accurate information and stick to the facts.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer – Seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents caused by speeding. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your damages.
How to Choose the Right Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a speeding-related car accident, it’s crucial to choose an experienced personal injury lawyer. The right attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case for your claim. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an attorney to represent you:
- Experience – Choose a lawyer with extensive personal injury case experience, particularly in car accidents caused by speeding.
- Reputation – Research the reputation of potential lawyers by reading reviews and asking for referrals from friends or family.
- Communication Skills – An experienced lawyer will be able to explain, in simple terms, complex legal concepts.
- Track Record of Success – Ask about the lawyer’s track record of successfully obtaining compensation.
Pursuing Legal Action in Extreme Speeding Accidents
In cases of extreme speeding, victims may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Extreme speeding occurs when a driver exceeds the legal limit to such a degree that it demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety of others on the road. Punitive damages go beyond covering the victim’s monetary losses. They’re specifically designed to punish the at-fault driver for their willful or reckless actions and to serve as a warning to others, discouraging similar behavior in the future. These damages can significantly increase the overall compensation you receive, helping to cover not only medical bills, lost wages, and property damage but also providing additional financial relief to account for the emotional and physical toll of the accident. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that all aspects of your case are considered and that you have the best chance of receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
In Texas, the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This legal time frame is crucial for protecting your rights, as it determines how long you have to take action after an accident or injury. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation for damages such as medical bills or lost wages. It’s important to act promptly, as gathering evidence, consulting with an attorney, and building your case can take time. Understanding and meeting this deadline is essential to ensure your claim is heard in court.
Understanding Modified Comparative Negligence
Texas applies a rule known as modified comparative negligence in car accident cases, which determines how fault impacts your ability to recover damages. Under this rule, you may still be eligible to receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident as long as you’re not responsible for more than 50% of the accident. For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by that percentage. However, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. This highlights the critical importance of having a skilled traffic lawyer on your side to help build your case, minimize your percentage of fault, and ensure you receive compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Speeding is a prevalent issue on Texas roads, leading to thousands of accidents every year with devastating consequences for victims and their families. At Nava Law Group, we’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected by speeding-related car accidents. Our team will work to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions. We offer legal representation for accident victims throughout Texas, including Houston, Bellaire, McAllen, Edinburg, Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, TX. If you or a loved one has been injured in a speeding accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help from our team of experienced attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
