Life moves fast, especially on Maryland roadways. Unfortunately, drivers who prioritize speed over safety run the risk of causing accidents that place innocent lives at risk. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car crash, an experienced speeding accident lawyer from Trollinger Law LLC can help you hold the negligent driver accountable and fight for financial compensation for everything you endured.
Our Maryland car accident lawyers put you first. We can take over all aspects of the legal process, allowing you to prioritize your healing journey and begin rebuilding your life. Our attorneys can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and take your claim to trial if thatās in your best interest. You can count on us to leave no stone unturned as we pursue full and fair compensation for you. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
The Dangers of Speeding
Speeding is a form of aggressive driving that endangers everyone. According to data from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding claimed the lives of 11,775 people in just one year. It also continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on U.S. roadways, contributing to nearly one-third of motor vehicle accident fatalities for more than two decades.
Speeding is against the law for a reason. It not only increases the likelihood of collisions but also can intensify the severity of any resulting injuries. Speeding drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles due to:
- Reduced reaction time ā Driving too fast reduces the amount of time a driver has to respond effectively to changes in traffic patterns or unexpected roadway hazards.
- Longer stopping distances ā The laws of physics tell us that the faster an object is traveling, the longer it takes to stop. Speeding increases a motorist’s stopping distance, significantly raising the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Decreased maneuverability ā Speeding can also make it more challenging for a driver to control their car, especially on curvy roads or in inclement weather. Rollover accidents are also more likely when a driver speeds and loses control.
- Reduced effectiveness of safety devices ā Modern vehicles have numerous safety features. However, the effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags decreases when vehicles travel at high speeds.
Why Are Injuries More Severe in Crashes Involving Speeding?
Car accidents caused by speeding often cause severe injuries due to the violent force of impact. The faster a car moves, the more force it imparts on the object it strikes. Some calculations estimate that for every 10 miles per hour of increased speed, the risk of dying in a crash doubles. Crash victims who survive speed-related accidents typically suffer more catastrophic injuries because the collision causes more destruction to their vehicle, safety equipment loses its effectiveness, and there is an increased potential to be ejected from the car.
Many car accident victims need immediate medical attention after a high-speed crash. Always see a doctor regardless of how you feel. An exam rules out more severe injuries, but also protects your auto accident claim and right to recover compensation.
Common Injuries in Speed-Related Crashes
Some of the most common injuries in speed-related crashes include:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
- Dislocations
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury/paralysis
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Amputation
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
Many high-speed accidents that cause excruciating physical injuries also cause emotional distress and invisible injuries like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you find yourself struggling after the accident occurred, don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment. Therapy costs are compensable losses in Maryland car accident settlements.
Proving Liability in Speeding Accident Claims
Proving liability in a speeding accident claim means you must demonstrate the at-fault driver was driving at an unsafe speed and that their actions caused the crash and your injuries. This requires compelling evidence. Examples include:
- Police accident report
- Photos of vehicle damage and your injuries
- Record of speeding ticket or past speed-related violations issued by law enforcement
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or surveillance videos
- Black box data taken from the vehicle
- Cell phone records
- GPS data
- Skid marks or road damage
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
An experienced speed accident attorney can determine the types of evidence needed to support your car accident claim and collect it while you recover from your injuries.
Compensation Available After a Speed-Related Crash
The value of a speed-related crash varies depending on the severity of your car accident injuries and the specifics of your case. However, most accident victims can seek compensation for:
- Past and current medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Never accept an initial offer from an insurance company without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney. Severe injuries can have lifetime costs that can number in the millions. Allowing a lawyer to calculate the fair value of your car accident case can give a fair starting point for settlement negotiations. Insurers often make low initial offers, hoping car accident victims will be too vulnerable to negotiate. This tactic saves them money but can leave you without the cash you need to cover all your medical bills and crash-related expenses. With an experienced lawyer in your corner, you benefit from having a skilled advocate who knows what your personal injury claim is worth and how to fight for the money you deserve.
How a Car Accident Lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC Can Help
After an auto accident in Maryland, you deserve dedicated legal representation to protect your rights. At Trollinger Law LLC, our experienced car accident attorneys can take over your legal case and aggressively negotiate with insurers for maximum compensation. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so youāll pay nothing upfront. If we donāt get money for you, youāll owe us no legal fees.
When a speeding driver wrecks your life, we help you pick up the pieces. Contact Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation with our proven car accident lawyers.
