Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations, and it contributes to thousands of traffic collisions every year. Speeding can easily result in serious car accidents that leave victims with painful injuries and financial difficulties.

At The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™, our Houston attorneys have a reputation for standing up for our clients and a history of successful case results to back it up. If you’ve been injured in a speeding car accident, we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you demand justice in a free initial consultation. 

Speeding Statistics & Injury Facts

According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Safety Council (NSC), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• For the past 20 years, speeding has been a contributing factor in approximately one in every three car accident fatalities.

• Speeding is more likely to contribute to fatal accidents when poor conditions such as wet, muddy, or icy roads are present.

• Throughout Texas, there were 27,541 speeding car crashes for the most recent year for which data is available. This included 792 fatal crashes, which caused 896 fatalities.

• In Harris County alone, there were 1,832 speed-involved crashes that year, including 98 fatal crashes, which resulted in 115 fatalities.

What Are the Factors That Drive Speeding?

Most people understand that driving fast is dangerous, but many drivers continue to endanger themselves and others by speeding anyway. Here are some common reasons why drivers speed:

• Running behind schedule – Many drivers develop a lead foot when they are late for appointments or fail to allocate enough time for their commutes.

• Traffic congestion – Slow-moving traffic can test even the most mild-mannered driver’s patience, increasing aggressive behaviors like speeding and tailgating.

• Sense of anonymity – Because drivers do not interact face-to-face with other motorists around them, they may be more likely to act out in hostile ways.

• Aggressive tendencies – Some drivers are naturally more aggressive than others. Others simply lack respect for the law and other drivers.

Why Is It So Dangerous to Speed?

Speeding is one of the top causes of car accidents in Texas. Exceeding posted speed limits and driving too fast for conditions is incredibly risky because:

• Speeding or driving too fast increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle.

• Increased speed reduces the effectiveness of safety equipment such as airbags and seat belts in case of a crash.

• Speeding can increase the potential severity of a crash, resulting in more serious injuries or fatalities.

• The faster a driver travels, the more distance they will need to come to a stop. Speeding drivers have less time to react to perceived hazards.

Most Common Injuries in Speeding Car Crashes

Speeding is a major contributing factor in many car accidents. Victims of speeding crashes are more likely to sustain serious injuries, such as:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries

• Whiplash and other neck injuries

• Back and spinal cord injuries

• Partial or total paralysis

• Dislocated or fractured bones

• Facial injuries, scarring, and dental trauma

• Amputated limbs or fingers

• Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding

• Deep bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds

• Post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional distress

• Wrongful death

What to Do Right After a Speeding Car Accident

A speeding-related car accident can be traumatic and disorienting for the victims. In the immediate aftermath, it can be difficult to have the presence of mind to know what to do next. 

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your rights and lay the foundation for a successful accident claim:

• Seek prompt medical attention.

• Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.

• Gather evidence such as photographs, driver information, and eyewitness statements. 

• Hang on to medical bills, pay stubs, repair invoices, and other proof of your accident-related financial losses.

• Do not apologize, admit fault, or provide a statement to the insurance company.

• Avoid posting or sharing on social media while your claim is pending.

• Contact a trusted speeding car accident attorney for dependable legal advice.

Tips for Dealing with Speeding and Aggressive Drivers

Even if you always drive at a safe speed, you’re bound to encounter others who speed or behave aggressively. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and others safe when you run into speeders:

• If you notice a car speeding that seems to want to pass you in the left-hand lane, move to the right and let them pass.

• If you notice a driver is speeding, give them a wide berth so you have time to react in case they cause an accident.

• If a speeding driver is tailgating or trying to antagonize you, avoid escalating the situation.

• If it seems like another driver is intentionally targeting you or attempting to run you off the road, call 911.

Compensation You Can Recover in a Speeding Car Accident

If you were involved in a speeding car accident in Houston, you might be entitled to compensation from a car accident claim. Depending on the nature of your losses, you could recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses from the treatment of your accident-related injuries, including costs associated with ambulance rides, hospital stays, and doctor’s visits

• Out-of-pocket costs from incidental expenses, such as costs of traveling to and from accident-related medical appointments

• Repair or replacement expenses for your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash

• Lost wages from time you miss at work while you recover from your injuries

• Projected future losses, such as costs of medical care you will likely require in the future and losses in your lifetime earning capacity

• The intangible costs of your pain, suffering, and losses in quality of life

How Our Houston Speeding Car Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Case

If you are injured in a Houston car crash with a speeding driver, the dedicated car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ can help you navigate the process of claiming fair compensation. Contact our attorneys today to discuss the details of your claim in a free, no-risk initial case review.