Speeding is a significant factor in 26 percent of fatal car accidents, yet people break this traffic law daily. While it may not seem like a big deal to go a few miles over the speeding limit, speeding can be detrimental to the safety of all drivers on the roads.
The award-winning car accident injury lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford are dedicated to helping victims of accidents in the southeastern Pennsylvania region that may have been caused by speeding. Since speed-related accidents happen quickly, it can be difficult to prove liability; however, there are ways to gather proof and build your injury claim. Evidence is crucial in legal cases involving speeding accidents to establish fault and support claims in court.
Understanding Speeding Laws in Pennsylvania
Speeding laws in Pennsylvania are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from the dangers of excessive speed. The state enforces both basic and absolute speed limits through a combination of police patrols and traffic cameras. The basic speed law requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the current road conditions, such as weather, visibility, and traffic. This means that even if a driver is traveling under the posted speed limit, they can still be cited for speeding if their driving is deemed unsafe for the given conditions.
In Pennsylvania, the absolute speed limit is strictly based on the posted speed limits. If a driver exceeds the posted limit, they are automatically considered to be in violation of the law. The state’s speed limits vary depending on the location, with urban and residential areas typically having lower speed limits than highways and rural areas. Exceeding these limits can result in fines, points on a driver’s record, and possible suspension of driving privileges, especially for repeat offenders.
How Onboard Electronic Systems Can Provide Evidence in a Car Accident
If you are familiar with the “black box” that is made for airplanes in the event of a crash, most modern-day vehicles have their version of this called an Electronic Data Recorder, or EDR. The data recorded on this device can be downloaded by using the vehicle’s diagnostic link detector. In the event of a crash, an EDR can provide the following:
- Speed before and during the time of impact
- Steering input
- Acceleration
- Brake pedal data, including if and when brakes were applied
Dashboard cameras can also provide useful evidence in the case of a car accident, but privately owned cars rarely have this type of onboard electronic system. Most vehicles are equipped with navigational systems, and satellite information may be helpful as they can show if someone was speeding.
Check for Evidence at the Accident Scene
It is very rare that an at-fault driver will openly admit to speeding after an accident occurred. While their insurance company may even support their claim, you cannot argue with the evidence, and there will likely be crucial evidence at the scene of the crash. The following are some common things to look for and take photos of as soon as possible:
- Skid Marks: Depending on how deep and long, an expert may be able to determine how fast the driver was going, when and if they tried to brake, and how long it took the vehicle to come to a stop.
- Damage to Your Vehicle: Collision ratings, provided by car and truck manufacturers, serve to provide information on how much damage would occur at different speeds.
- Road Debris: Experts may be able to determine speed by measuring how far debris was flung from the location of the accident.
Witness testimonials are another option that could be useful in building your claim, and always be sure to make a police report at the scene of the crash.
Establishing Fault in a Speeding-Related Car Accident
Establishing fault in a speeding-related car accident can be a complex process, but it is essential to determine who is responsible for the accident and who should be held liable for damages. In Pennsylvania, fault is typically determined by examining the actions of the drivers involved in the accident. If one driver is found to have been speeding, they may be considered at fault for the accident, especially if their excessive speed contributed to the collision.
To establish fault, investigators will typically examine the accident scene, review police reports, and interview witnesses. They may also use data from onboard electronic devices, such as GPS and speed sensors, to determine the speed of the vehicles involved in the accident. In some cases, expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, may be called upon to provide testimony about the accident and help determine fault.
What Should I Do After I Have Been Hit by a Speeding Driver?
Your health and safety should be at the top of your priority list following a car accident. Medical expenses can quickly accumulate from injuries sustained in the crash. While it is also important to gather as much evidence as you can, you should always assess your condition following the crash. Immediately following a car accident, complete the following steps:
- Call emergency services
- Check yourself for injuries
- Take pictures of any damage, proof of speeding, or visible injuries
- Exchange contact information with the other driver
- File a police report
The next big step is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to help you build your claim.
Holding Aggressive and Reckless Drivers Accountable
Aggressive and reckless drivers who engage in speeding and other dangerous behaviors put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death. In Pennsylvania, drivers who are found to have been speeding or engaging in other forms of reckless driving may be held accountable for their actions through the civil justice system.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, it is essential to seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex process of establishing fault and seeking compensation for your injuries. They can also help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and ensure that they are held responsible for the harm they have caused.
In addition to seeking compensation for your injuries, you may also be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable through other means, such as filing a police report or reporting the incident to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. By taking action, you can help ensure that aggressive and reckless drivers are held accountable for their actions and that the roads are safer for everyone.
Get Help with Your Claim from Southeastern Pennsylvania Lawyers
Trying to prove that another driver’s speeding led to a car accident can be difficult, but it is not impossible. When a driver speeds, it makes it difficult for them to control a vehicle. This negligence is one of the most common causes of severe and fatal car accidents.
With over 65 years of experience serving the southeastern Pennsylvania area, the car accident lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford may be able to help you with your claim. Offering clients dedicated care for each case, you can rest assured that our talented team will tirelessly work to help make this process as stress-free as possible. For a free consultation, contact us here or call (215) 822-7575.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
December 24, 2024
