The open road whispers promises of freedom, of swift journeys and fleeting landscapes. But sometimes, the siren song of speed lures us into a dangerous dance. In Georgia, speeding isn’t just a traffic violation. It’s also a leading cause of car accidents with devastating consequences.
We delve into the intricate web of how speeding impacts auto accident severity and liability in the Peach State. Our team at the Weinstein Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.
The Grim Statistics: Speeding’s Deadly Cost
In 2021, speeding-related crashes claimed 369 lives in Georgia. These grim statistics aren’t mere numbers. They represent shattered families, severe injuries, and lives irrevocably altered.
Speeding doesn’t just increase the odds of a collision, it also makes the crash more severe. The laws of physics tell us that kinetic energy multiplies with increasing speed. A seemingly modest bump in speed can translate into a devastating increase in the force of impact.
Determining Fault
Georgia is an at-fault state for car accident claims. That means the insurance company of the at-fault driver pays for the damages. But just how is fault determined? Your Atlanta car accident lawyer needs to prove four elements.
- The other driver had a duty of care (obeying traffic laws and driving safely).
- The other driver didn’t fulfill this responsibility.
- The driver’s negligence caused the accident.
- The victim suffered quantifiable losses known as damages.
Speeding is considered negligence in Georgia. Your attorney still needs to prove that speeding directly caused the accident.
A driver could run a red light while obeying the speed limit and hit a car that was driving on a green light but speeding 10 miles over the limit. In this case, the driver who ran the red light would be considered more at fault.
What If I Was Speeding But Didn’t Cause the Crash?
If you were speeding but the other driver was primarily at fault, your compensation could be reduced.
Georgia operates under a legal principle known as “comparative negligence.” Each driver’s actions are scrutinized, and a percentage of fault is assigned based on their contribution to the crash. You can recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation is reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Ways to Prove a Driver Was Speeding
You need evidence to prove that the other driver was speeding and caused the accident. Here are some pieces of evidence that your Atlanta car accident lawyer may use to build a strong case:
- Data From Onboard Electronic Devices (Black Box Data)
- Video From Dashcams
- Video From Businesses Nearby
- Video from Nearby Businesses
- GPS Data
Compensation After a Speeding Accident
The legal consequences of speeding extend far beyond fines and citations. The at-fault driver’s insurance company must compensate the injured party for damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even compensation for wrongful death.
Insurance companies strive to minimize the payout for settlements, so it’s vital to have an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer negotiate on your behalf.
Prevention: Caution vs. Regret
The simplest, most effective way to avoid the legal and human cost of speeding is, well, not to speed. Slowing down isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about protecting your life and the lives of others. We can all make a conscious choice to be responsible drivers. Buckle up, adjust your mirrors, and keep your foot off the gas pedal.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers Today
In Georgia, speeding is a leading cause of many traffic accidents. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the costs of an accident caused by a reckless driver. Our Atlanta accident lawyers at The Weinstein Firm can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review.
