We’ve all been there. We’re running late for an appointment or trying to get to our destination as fast as possible. So, we put the pedal to the metal and hope that we don’t get pulled over. It’s not a big deal, right? Wrong. Speeding is one of the most common – and most dangerous – driving behaviors.
Every year, speeding causes thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths. If you were one of the many victims of speeding accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida, the experienced lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact or call us at (727) 314-5988.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Speeding Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s speeding, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. The first and most important step is to seek an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer.
We can help.
- Our skilled St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
- We are recognized as “The Aggressive Attorneys,” thanks to our fierce representation.
- We’re invested in each and every client and will do whatever we can to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
- We’ll investigate your speeding accident, gather evidence proving every element, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your legal rights throughout the claims process.
Contact our law office in St. Petersburg, FL today to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Speeding Accidents?
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents and fatalities and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
- Speeding is a factor in almost one-third of traffic-related deaths. Approximately 10,000 people die each year in speed-related crashes.
- In 2019, there were approximately 326,000 people in speeding-related crashes.
- In 2020, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. It was responsible for the deaths of 11,258 people.
Contact our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys for help if you’ve been injured in a speeding collision.
Overview of Speeding Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL
As mentioned earlier, speeding is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities on the roadways. When you’re driving faster than the posted speed limit, you’re putting yourself and everyone else on the road at risk. Here are just a few of the dangers of speeding:
Reduced Reaction Time
When you’re driving, your reaction time is crucial. If you see a hazard in the road, you need to be able to react quickly enough to avoid it. However, when you’re speeding, your reaction time is reduced because you’re covering more ground in a shorter period of time. You simply don’t have enough time to react. That means that if something unexpected happens, you’re less likely to be able to avoid it.
Increased Braking Time
In addition to reducing your reaction time, speeding also increases your braking time. Again, this is because when you’re driving faster, it takes longer to stop. And in an emergency situation, every second counts.
Loss of Control
Another danger of speeding is that it can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle. This is particularly true if you’re speeding on wet or icy roads. Even on dry pavement, if you take a corner too fast or have to make a sudden maneuver, there’s a good chance you could lose control of your car.
Worse Collisions
Perhaps the most dangerous thing about speeding is that it can lead to much more serious collisions. When two vehicles collide at high speeds, the force of the impact is much greater than it would be at lower speeds. That means that the damage done and the injuries sustained are much worse in high-speed collisions.
Common Injuries That Occur in St. Petersburg Speeding Accidents
Many different types of injuries can occur in speeding accidents.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
If you lost a loved one in a fatal speeding accident, contact our law firm to discuss filing a wrongful death claim.
Proving Liability in Florida Speeding Accidents
To be successful in a personal injury case due to someone else’s speeding, you must prove that the other party was negligent. To do this, you must prove the following elements:
Duty of Care
The first thing you need to show is that the other driver had a duty to drive safely. All drivers have a duty to take reasonable measures to keep other drivers safe. This means obeying the speed limit and not driving in a way that would endanger others.
Breach of Duty
Next, you need to show that the other driver breached their duty by driving unsafely. This can be done by showing that the other driver was speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or otherwise driving recklessly.
Causation
The third thing you need to show in a successful personal injury claim is that the other driver’s breach of their duty caused your injuries. You will need to provide medical records and/or expert testimony showing that your injuries were caused by the speeding accident.
Damages
Finally, you must show that you experienced damages as a result of the accident. This includes both economic damages (such as medical bills) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Law Firm
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we have seen the devastating effects of speeding accidents firsthand. We have represented countless victims and their families, and we know the pain and suffering they have endured.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, we want to help. We will fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
