11,775 people died in speeding-related accidents in the United States in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What makes this statistic so sad is that these deaths were completely preventable if other drivers had simply obeyed the law.
At Oklahoma Injury Law Firm, we help accident victims who have suffered serious injuries and loved ones who have lost family members due to the negligence of other drivers. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve and can begin the legal process with a free case review. Call us today to get started.
What Is Speeding?
Many people think of speeding as driving well above the posted speed limit. However, speeding can also occur when drivers are operating their vehicles too fast for road or weather conditions. For example, if traffic is congested, drivers probably shouldn’t be driving the speed limit. If it’s raining or there’s an ice storm, they should also slow down.
A lot of research goes into determining the proper speed for various roadways, based on factors such as land terrain, how many vehicles commonly use the road each day, and the road’s design. The posted speed limit is for daylight driving during optimal conditions.
Why Is Speeding So Dangerous?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out several reasons why speeding is so dangerous. First, speeding makes it more likely that the driver will lose control of their vehicle. It also shortens the amount of time that the driver has to react and avoid a collision after recognizing a hazard. Additionally, if a vehicle collision does occur, injuries are more likely to be serious because infrastructure such as concrete blocks and vehicle safety features are less effective at higher speeds.
Proving Speeding Caused the Crash
Oklahoma is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the driver found at fault for the crash is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. It can be difficult to prove speeding caused the crash because the other driver is unlikely to admit this. You may need evidence to support your version, such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Data from the vehicles’ event data recorders
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
An experienced attorney can help gather the evidence you need.
Damages You Can Seek After a Speeding Accident
Because speeding is more likely to result in serious injuries, car accident claims involving it may be more valuable. Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for the following:
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Ambulance bills, hospital stays, emergency medical treatment costs, medical equipment, prescription medication, therapy, diagnostic tests, follow-up visits, and expert consultations
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Call Our Oklahoma City Speeding Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a speeding accident, call (405) 310-8800 and contact Oklahoma Injury Law today. We can discuss your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation.