High speed car accidents can result in serious injury and possibly death. Common sense tells us that the seriousness of an injury can be directly related to the speed
of the vehicle in the collision. Excessive speed is often one factor reflecting a host of poor descisions by the
offending driver. In high speed car accident cases it is not uncommon to find additional factors such as
the driver being under the influence of alcohol and drugs; aggressive driving; and poor driving habits.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA): In 2002, 13,713 fatalities -- about a third of all fatalities that occurred in motor
vehicle traffic crashes were speeding-related, i.e., at least one of the drivers involved in the crash was speeding. This
is the highest number of speeding-related fatalities since 1991, when 13,915 persons were killed in such crashes.
A NHTSA report
stated that the geometry of the road plays a vital role in the occurrence of speeding-related crashes. In 2002, about 40 percent
of speeding-related fatal crashes occurred while negotiating a curve, while slightly less than 20 percent of non-speeding
related fatal crashes occurred under similar roadway geometry.
NHTSA research has shown that crashes in which at least one
driver was exceeding the legal speed limit or driving too fast for conditions cost $40.4 billion in 2000, representing about
20 percent of the total economic cost of motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States. Annually, about 32 percent of
all fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes were speeding-related, i.e., at least one of the drivers involved in the crash
exceeded the posted speed limit or was driving too fast for the prevailing conditions.
Are you aware that injuries from traffic accidents are
the leading cause of death for Americans from age 6 to age 33? According to national statistics, approximately 6,000,000
auto accidents occur each year, causing over 40,000 deaths and 3,000,000 injuries.
Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) compiles statistics regarding motor vehicle accidents. According
to NHTSA's statistics, in 2001:
people were injured in motor vehicle accidents;
41,300 died in motor vehicle accidents;
40% of the fatalities were-alcohol related;
2,600 children under the age of 15 were killed in motor vehicle accidents;
7,500 young drivers (16-20)
were involved in fatal crashes;
3,000 motorcyclists were killed;
4,700 pedestrians were killed;
Improper use of seat belts accounted for 63% of the fatalities.
In 2004, nationwide, there were 6.2 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes. According
to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2004, speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent
of all fatal crashes, and 13,192 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes. In 2004, more than 9,000 persons died in rollover
crashes throughout the United States.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident or motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver to recover damages for lost wages, property damage, medical
costs, future losses and pain and suffering. It is advisable for you to consult with an experienced accident lawyer before proceeding with a claim for negligence.
When you've been injured in a car accident,
your whole life can change suddenly. You may not know which auto accident lawyer to talk to or what to do to recover your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and other expenses incurred. At
the Gels Law Firm, we will listen to your situation.
If you've tried dealing directly with insurance companies,
you probably know that their focus is on getting you to settle your case for as little as possible.