The facts are clear: In a recent year, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic deaths nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says over 12,000 people died in speeding accidents in 2022. Unfortunately, too many Florida drivers underestimate the dangers of speeding, and that’s what we want to change. The Florida car accident lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers have seen too many lives ruined by speeding. Here are 10 reasons why speeding is dangerous in Florida:
Reduced Reaction Times:
Speeding drastically reduces the time drivers have to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or obstacles. This is particularly dangerous on Florida’s highways and busy city streets, where conditions can change quickly. When split-seconds can make all the difference in a crash, drivers need as much time as possible to avoid hazards.
Increased Stopping Distance:
Speeding cars require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. This can be especially hazardous in heavy traffic or when drivers approach intersections. The extra distance needed to stop could mean the difference between avoiding a collision and causing one. In Florida, where sudden traffic jams and pedestrian crossings are common, the inability to stop quickly can have deadly consequences.
Greater Impact Force:
The faster a vehicle moves, the greater the impact force in a collision. This increased impact force can cause more severe injuries and property damage, which makes high-speed crashes far more dangerous. In Florida, where many accidents occur on highways and busy roads, the consequences of speeding can be devastating.
Loss of Vehicle Control:
Speeding makes it much harder to maintain control of a vehicle, especially when navigating curves, corners, or wet roads. At high speeds, even minor steering adjustments can cause drivers to lose control. In turn, this can result in dangerous situations like drivers skidding or spinning out. This is a particular concern in Florida, where frequent rain can create slippery roads and easily cause a serious accident.
Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Features:
Speeding reduces the effectiveness of a vehicle’s safety features, like seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes. These systems generally work well to protect occupants at typical driving speeds. However, their ability to prevent injuries diminishes significantly at higher speeds. Speeding can turn what might have been minor collisions into life-threatening events.
Increased Risk of Rollovers:
Speeding, especially in larger vehicles like SUVs, increases the risk of rollovers during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. High speeds make it difficult to keep the vehicle stable, leading to a greater chance of rolling over. Rollovers are among the most dangerous types of accidents, and they often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Difficulty in Navigating Curves:
Navigating curves at high speeds is risky because speeding reduces the vehicle’s grip on the road, increasing the chances of sliding or veering off the road. Florida has many winding roads, especially in rural areas, which means failing to slow down can result in a dangerous crash.
Increased Risk to Pedestrians and Cyclists:
Speeding drivers pose a heightened risk to pedestrians and cyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in collisions. At higher speeds, it becomes harder to see and react to people crossing the street or riding bikes. Florida has a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, so speeding sharply increases the likelihood of severe injuries to these people. Slowing down is essential to protecting everyone on the road.
Less Time for Other Drivers to React:
Speeding not only reduces drivers’ reaction times but also gives others less time to react to their movements. This can cause chain-reaction accidents, especially in heavy traffic or congested areas. Given the dense traffic in much of Florida, speeding drivers make it harder for others to respond to sudden maneuvers.
Increased Likelihood of Fatal Accidents:
The faster a vehicle moves, the greater the likelihood of a fatal accident. High-speed collisions are more likely to kill someone due to the severe impact and the reduced effectiveness of safety features. In Florida, the combination of high speeds and frequent traffic can lead to deadly outcomes. Drivers must obey speed limits to keep everyone safe.
What To Do If a Speeding Driver Hits You
A collision with a speeding driver is a traumatic experience. After seeking medical attention, there are important steps you should take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice – Your health is the top priority. Follow all medical instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and complete any necessary treatments. This step protects your health and creates a solid record of your injuries.
- Document Your Injuries and Damages – Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other losses related to the accident. Photographs of your injuries and damaged property are also valuable evidence.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Give them the basic details but avoid giving statements about fault or specifics until you speak to a lawyer.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer – A lawyer can help you handle the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation. They’ll gather any available evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, to prove the other driver was speeding.
- Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance – Let your lawyer handle all communication with the other driver’s insurance company. Letting your lawyer take the lead protects your rights and prevents you from accidentally hurting your claim.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida
If you sustained injuries in a speeding accident, it’s essential to act before the deadline to file a lawsuit. According to Florida law, you usually have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. However, we urge you to speak to a lawyer immediately so they can preserve essential evidence. Otherwise, you might not recover full compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney Now
The team at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers understands the dangers of speeding and can safeguard your rights after a crash. Call (619) 233-5020 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
