Speeding is a significant safety hazard, but speeding doesn’t just mean going faster than posted limits. In Florida, driving too fast for conditions is both a crime and grounds for a personal injury claim. So, if someone injured you because they were driving too fast for road conditions, you can seek compensation from them. The key to winning these cases is to work with a capable and experienced attorney.
The Tampa car accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries. In addition, we can guide you through the legal process and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Here’s what you need to know about your legal options in these cases.
What Florida Law Says About Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Florida law says no one shall drive at a speed higher than is “reasonable and prudent” for road conditions. The law also says drivers must adjust their speed based on the “actual and potential hazards” present. Breaking this law is a noncriminal traffic infraction.
This law matters in Florida car accident cases because it clearly establishes fault when drivers don’t account for road conditions. Showing how the other driver broke the law by not accounting for the road conditions strengthens your case. A car accident lawyer can gather evidence supporting your claim so you can recover fair compensation for your losses.
Hazards Drivers Should Slow Down For
Some common hazards drivers should slow down for in Florida when they encounter them include:
Wet Roads:
Rain can make roads slippery, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or drivers losing control. Therefore, drivers should reduce their speed on wet roads to maintain control and avoid accidents.
Fog:
Fog can severely limit visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles or obstacles. After all, slowing down in foggy conditions helps drivers react more quickly to sudden hazards.
Heavy Traffic:
Sudden stops are more common in congested traffic. As a result, drivers should reduce their speed in heavy traffic to avoid rear-end collisions and give themselves more time to react.
Sharp Curves:
Navigating sharp curves at high speeds can cause a driver to lose control, especially on narrow or unfamiliar roads. Slowing down on sharp curves gives drivers better handling and reduces the risk of veering off the road.
Construction Zones:
Roadwork often involves lane shifts, uneven surfaces, and workers on or near the road. Drivers should slow down in construction zones to protect workers and themselves.
Gravel or Loose Debris:
Gravel, sand, or loose debris on the road can reduce tire traction and make it harder to stop. Reducing speed on these surfaces helps drivers maintain control.
Pedestrian Crossings:
Drivers should slow down to avoid potential accidents in areas where pedestrians frequently cross, such as school zones or residential neighborhoods.
Animals on the Road:
Wildlife or stray animals can unexpectedly cross the road, especially in rural areas. Slowing down in these areas gives drivers more time to react and avoid collisions.
Low Visibility at Night:
Driving at night reduces visibility, making it harder to see obstacles or other vehicles. Slowing down in poorly lit areas helps drivers spot and react to potential hazards sooner.
Proving Someone Was Driving Too Fast for Conditions
To recover compensation after a crash, you must prove the other driver was driving too fast for the conditions. For this reason, gathering strong evidence is key to building a successful claim. Here are some types of evidence that can help:
Witness Statements:
Witnesses can provide firsthand accounts of the crash and the other driver’s behavior before the accident. Their statements can support your claim that the driver was speeding or driving too fast for conditions.
Traffic Camera Footage:
Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses can show the speed and actions of the vehicles involved. This visual evidence is often crucial to proving that the other driver did not adjust their speed for the conditions.
Weather Reports:
Weather conditions at the time of the crash can play a significant role in your case. To that end, if it was raining, foggy, or icy, weather reports can help establish that the other driver should have slowed down.
Accident Scene Photos:
Photos of the accident scene can provide important context, such as road conditions, skid marks, and vehicle damage. These details can help demonstrate that the other driver was going too fast for the situation.
Expert Testimony:
Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the crash and provide testimony on the likely speed of the vehicles involved. Their expertise can help establish that the other driver was driving too fast for the road conditions.
Potential Compensation in These Cases
We can’t tell you your claim’s value until we investigate the accident. However, our Tampa car accident attorneys are committed to helping you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. With our help, you could recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Any income you lose while healing from your injuries
- Reduced future earnings if your injuries affect your career
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life due to your injuries
- The cost to repair or replace your damaged personal property, such as your car
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida
Florida law says you have only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crash. That may sound like a long time to act, but we urge you to contact an attorney right away. Critical evidence from the crash scene can deteriorate within days or weeks, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Therefore, the sooner you speak to a lawyer, the greater your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
How Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Proving a driver was going too fast for conditions is challenging, but our team has extensive experience with these cases. We know what evidence to look for and how to use it to support your claim. We’ll talk to experts, gather eyewitness accounts, investigate the accident, and look for video footage to support your case. We’ll also handle all the legal paperwork and settlement negotiations, letting you concentrate on healing. If necessary, we can represent you in court and handle all the trial procedures on your behalf.
Don’t wait to talk to an attorney about your case. Call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (619) 233-5020 for a free case review, or you can reach out online.
