Tucson Speeding Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident with a driver who was driving faster than the posted speed limit, the attorneys of Russo Law Firm could help you. We have the experience needed to tackle even the toughest of accident cases, and we will not back down when the other driver’s insurance company refuses to pay you what you are owed. Turn to us for the help you need getting the compensation and justice that you deserve. Contact us at (520) 529-1515 today.
Each year, speed is cited as a significant factor in many non-fatal and fatal collisions across the United States, yet it is still a common daily practice for many drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding endangers everyone on the road, and it killed 9,557 people in 2015. For more than twenty years, speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Whether the driver feels that speeding is acceptable or if it has become a habit that they no longer consider, speeding puts the driver and others on the road at risk of serious injury or death. Driving above the posted speed limit can profoundly affect one’s driving in many ways, including:
- Increased risk of distraction
- Inability to maneuver to make turns
- Failure to recognize road signs
- Failure to make stops in time
- Increased chances of skidding
Speeding is a dangerous act in its own right, and when combined with the above factors, it can have disastrous consequences. Also, exceeding the speed limit can have other real-world implications such as speeding tickets and fines, heightened insurance rates, and suspension of your drivers’ license.
Most drivers are not aware that speed limits are not merely arbitrary numbers set by state or local governments, but are carefully calculated speeds that are designed to keep motorists safe on the road. Increased speed means increased force in the event of a collision and the risk of injury or death increases with each mile-per-hour that is exceeded. These posted limits take into account the turns in the road, road conditions, and visibility, to establish a safe traveling speed for those on the road.
Common Types of Speeding Accidents
Most drivers are aware that speeding is a risky behavior that can come with consequences. For most, the most significant concern is getting a speeding ticket, and drivers often don’t consider the serious injuries or fatalities that serious collisions can cause. Some common types of severe speeding accidents include:
- Rollover accidents – Often occur when the driver loses control of the vehicle and attempts to maneuver to avoid a collision.
- Head-on collisions – Can occur on city streets or on rural roads that do not have a divider.
- T-bone accidents – Often occur when a driver fails to notice a car turning in an intersection or runs a stop sign or traffic signal and collides with the side of the other vehicle.
Any of these collisions can result in serious injuries or fatalities. When increased speed is added to the mix, the risk of serious harm to those involved increases exponentially. It is crucial that all drivers practice safe driving techniques when behind the wheel, including obeying the posted speed limit.
What Is The Three-Second Rule?
To prevent an accident, it is recommended that all drivers follow the “three-second rule,” whether you are traveling at high speeds or low speed. This rule lets you gauge the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and by following it, you may be able to curb your speed and follow the flow of traffic.
To practice the three-second rule, you need to first pick out something in the distance while you’re driving. This can be a parked car, telephone pole, road sign, or pretty much any other stationary object. When the car in front of you passes the object you selected as your marker, count for three seconds, and if your vehicle passes that object before you can count to three, you should slow down and try again. Naturally, this exercise should not prevent you from focusing on the road and the task of driving, but it is a good gauge of proper distance between cars.
Why Do Drivers Exceed the Speed Limit?
Speeding is often considered a form of aggressive driving behavior. Aggressive driving overall has several factors that have contributed to its rise, including:
- Traffic – Traffic congestion is one of the most common contributing factors to aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding. Drivers often respond to traffic congestion by speeding, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone who they believe impedes their progress.
- Running Late – Some people exceed the speed limit because they have too much to do and are in a hurry to get to work, school, a meeting, and other factors.
- Anonymity – A motor vehicle insulates the driver from the world which often causes drivers to develop a sense of detachment from those around them. Because it is harder for others on the road to see them and they will likely never reencounter the other drivers, some drivers feel like it is acceptable to behave more aggressively than they normally would.
- Disregard for the Law or Other Drivers – Sometimes, drivers feel that they should not be beholden to the rules of the road like others. These drivers often don’t believe the rate of speed at which they are traveling is dangerous.
Understanding Your Rights
The most prominent obstacle people face in these accidents is that the other driver often denies speeding. The experienced Tucson speeding accident lawyers of Russo Law Firm know how to analyze accident reports and investigate the cause of accidents. We may be able to determine if speed was a factor in your collision, and will consult with accident reconstruction experts to verify that the driver who caused your crash was driving recklessly.
We also know how to handle the other driver’s insurance company, and will ensure that they take responsibility for compensating you for injuries, property damage, and financial losses that you incur due to the accident. We have helped countless others who have been in a similar situation, and we are always ready to help you.
There is a reason why so many people in Tucson have turned to the attorneys of Russo Law Firm when they have been hurt in a car accident. We have the experience that you need to get the results you deserve. If a speeding driver has caused you harm, don’t hesitate to contact us at (520) 529-1515 to discuss your accident today. We are here to help.
