Speeding is the leading cause of traffic collisions in Arizona, according to the state Department of Transportation. Data shows that, during the most recent reporting year on file, there were more than 34,000 total vehicle accidents caused by drivers speeding or operating too fast for conditions. Unfortunately, there were more than 11,500 injury crashes and more than 193 fatal collisions.
Speeding presents unbelievable hazards for drivers and passengers on Arizona roadways. Individuals harmed due to a speeding driver should reach out to an accident attorney in Phoenix for help with their claim as quickly as they can.
How Speeding Increases Accident Risks
Speeding not only makes an accident more likely to occur but also amplifies the severity of collisions when they occur. There are several ways speeding contributes to accidents, including:
- Reduced reaction time. Speeding significantly cuts down the time a driver has to respond to sudden changes, such as a car braking ahead or a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Increased stopping distance. As speeds increase, so does the distance needed for the vehicle to stop. This can make it difficult for a speeding driver to avoid a collision, especially in high-traffic areas or during unexpected stops.
- Loss of vehicle control. Speeding drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, particularly on curves or wet roads. High speeds make it harder to steer or maneuver the vehicle, leading to crashes with other cars, pedestrians, or roadside objects.
- Greater crash impact. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more force it will exert in a crash. Higher speeds result in more severe damage to vehicles and greater injuries to drivers and passengers, increasing the risk of fatality.
Common Injuries in Speeding Accidents
Some of the most common injuries caused by speeding collisions in AZ include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries are a significant risk in high-speed crashes, especially if the vehicle occupants are not properly restrained. A TBI can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments, severely affecting the victim’s quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries. The impact of a high-speed crash can cause major trauma to the spinal column, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or chronic pain.
- Broken bones. High-speed crashes frequently result in fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries may require surgeries and long recovery periods, and in some cases, the damage may lead to permanent disability.
- Internal injuries. Speeding accidents often result in internal injuries that may not be immediately visible but are life-threatening. These include damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels, which require emergency medical intervention.
Proving Liability in a Speeding Accident Case
Proving that a speeding driver caused your accident is critical to recovering compensation. In Arizona, victims of speeding accidents need to establish that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence directly caused the crash. Several types of evidence can help prove liability, including:
Traffic camera footage. Traffic cameras or dash cams may capture the speeding vehicle before or during the accident, providing clear evidence of the driver’s speed.
Witness statements. Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can provide testimony that the at-fault driver was speeding. Their observations can be crucial in proving the negligent behavior of the driver.
Police reports. Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene typically document key details in their reports, such as any citations issued for speeding. This report can support your claim that the other driver was driving too fast for conditions.
Accident reconstruction experts. In more complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other evidence to determine how fast the at-fault driver was traveling and how their speed contributed to the crash.
Compensation Available for Speeding Accident Victims
Victims of speeding accidents in Arizona may be entitled to several types of compensation for their losses. Consulting with a Phoenix, AZ injury lawyer can help victims recover compensation for damages. These damages generally fall into two different types: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages. These are the tangible, quantifiable costs resulting from the accident. They include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care. If you require long-term rehabilitation or if your injuries prevent you from returning to work, economic damages can help cover those expenses.
Non-economic damages. These refer to less tangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages aim to compensate victims for the physical and psychological toll of their injuries, which can persist long after the accident.