While posted speed limits exist to maintain a safe flow of traffic, many drivers in Maine still choose to speed, regardless of the consequences.
Speeding is dangerous for many reasons. For one, it increases the likelihood that a driver will lose control of their vehicle. Drivers who speed also have less time to react if traffic suddenly stops or slows down.
Drivers who don’t adjust their speed to account for hazardous conditions such as inclement weather, road construction projects, or low visibility situations also increase the likelihood of causing a crash. Drivers who speed are also more likely to engage in other reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, reckless driving, unsafe lane changes, and other behaviors that put other motorists at risk.
If you have been injured in a crash that was caused by a speeding driver in Maine, then you could be entitled to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. The skilled Maine car accident attorneys at Mann Law, LLC have the knowledge and skills to help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you’re recovering from your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Accidents Caused By Speeding Drivers
According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) data, 9,478 individuals were killed in speeding-related accidents in 2019. That number represents a staggering 26% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2019.
In fact, according to the NHTSA, speeding has been a factor in about a third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades. With speeding being such a prevalent cause of motor vehicle crashes, motorists need to understand what to do if they have been involved in a collision caused by speeding.
Injuries Suffered In Speeding Car Accidents
When two vehicles collide, and one has been traveling at an excessively high speed, catastrophic injuries can result. Some common injuries suffered by victims of speeding car accidents include;
Traumatic brain injuries / TBIs
Spinal cord damage
Paralysis
Internal injuries
Broken/fractured bones
Whiplash
Accidental amputation
Burns, scrapes, and lacerations
Back injuries
How To Prove A Driver Was Speeding
Proving that the other driver was speeding will be a crucial aspect of your case. If you can prove that the other driver was behaving recklessly by exceeding the legal speed limit, you can begin to demonstrate the other driver’s liability for the accident. Some common ways you can prove that a driver was speeding include:
Witness testimony – If you can, get the contact information of any bystanders who may have witnessed the crash right after the accident occurs. Bystanders can provide an objective view of what happened and may be able to make a statement or testify on your behalf if your case goes to trial. This could undoubtedly strengthen your claim.
Surveillance footage – Nearby businesses could also potentially provide an objective and irrefutable view of what occurred. Many businesses have CCTV cameras near the entrances of their buildings, and often those cameras will provide at least a partial view of the street in front of the business. If there were any ATMs near the accident scene, the ATMs camera could have captured the accident as well. Businesses can be reluctant to hand over the security camera footage, so it’s best to consult with an attorney who will have experience gathering this type of evidence.
Police report – You will need to obtain the police report as part of the claim process. This document is a report that police make at the scene of the accident and may contain all sorts of helpful information, including an initial determination of fault. If the at-fault driver was speeding, the police may note this in their report, which could help bolster your claim.
Photo and video evidence – If you can, take pictures at the scene of the accident. Take photos from many different angles, capturing the scene itself, the damage to the vehicles, your injuries, and more. An accident reconstruction expert may be able to use photos you took at the scene to recreate the accident and determine fault.
What Type Of Compensation Could I Be Owed?
If you were injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to recover compensation for damages related to the accident. Compensation is intended to help you cover costs you have incurred as a result of the crash, including:
Present and future medical expenses arising from the accident
Lost earnings if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries
Vehicle repairs
Pain and suffering, including loss of enjoyment of life, mental distress, and emotional anguish caused by the accident
Obtaining compensation is not always a straightforward process. You need a seasoned car accident attorney on your side to represent your interests as you enter into negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance companies will use specific tactics to try and reduce or even deny your claim. Still, a skilled car accident attorney will know those tactics and will aggressively pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
How Mann Law, LLC Could Help
At Mann Law, LLC, we have the skills and experience to help you get answers and justice. If you have been injured in a speeding-related crash, we’ll be ready to help you seek fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Contact one of our Maine car accident lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get started.
