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.
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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.
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
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:
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:
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.
Speeding is a direct form of negligence under Maine law. When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit or drives too fast for road conditions, they are failing in their legal duty to operate their vehicle safely. If their speeding caused your accident and injuries, that negligence is the foundation of your claim. Evidence of speeding from crash data, skid mark analysis, witness accounts, or traffic cameras strengthens your case significantly.
Evidence of speeding can include the police accident report noting the speed at impact, black box or event data recorder data from the vehicle, physical evidence at the scene such as skid marks and impact distance, witness testimony, traffic camera or dashcam footage, and in some cases accident reconstruction expert analysis. Mann Law investigates all available sources of evidence to build the strongest possible speeding liability case.
Yes. The physics of a collision mean that higher speeds result in far greater force of impact. Injuries in speeding accidents are often more severe and may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. This also means the value of a personal injury claim following a high-speed crash is typically higher, reflecting the greater harm caused.
Yes. A criminal speeding citation is helpful but not required to prove civil liability. The standard for a personal injury claim is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the driver was negligent. Physical and circumstantial evidence can establish speeding even without a traffic citation. Mann Law builds your case on all available evidence regardless of whether the other driver was ticketed.
We investigate the accident thoroughly from the start, working to preserve evidence before it is lost. We consult with accident reconstruction experts when needed, document the full scope of your injuries and losses, and negotiate aggressively with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If a fair settlement is not offered, we take the case to court. Our goal is to hold reckless drivers fully accountable for the harm they caused.
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.
