Virtually everyone violates the speed limit at some point or at least drives faster than one should given road and traffic conditions. While many people consider speeding to be a minor infraction, drivers guilty of speeding kill far too many people throughout Mississippi. The faster a vehicle is moving the more stopping distance that is needed to avoid a car accident. A car is also less responsive and more prone to rollover at high rates of speed when a driver engages in sharp steering maneuvers. It is not only the case that you are more likely to be involved in a car accident when driving at a high rate of speed, but the severity of one’s injuries are also much greater when a driver is speeding.
Our Mississippi speeding accident attorneys have successfully represented those involved in car accidents with speeding drivers. Because car accidents that occur at a higher rate of speed necessarily result in a more intense impact, it is important to have an experienced Mississippi car accident attorney that has handled a substantial number of car accident claims involving substantial injuries and even wrongful death.
The danger of being involved in a speed related accident is substantial given that 90 percent of all drivers admit to speeding, and 75 percent admit to doing so regularly. Some people justify speeding based on the fact that they exceed the speed limit by only a small margin. The problem with this reasoning is that even exceeding the speed limit by five mph can cause a serious car accident depending on where the speeding occurs. Speeding is a significant factor in as many as one-third of all fatal car accidents. The relationship between increased speed and a higher risk of car accidents is demonstrated by a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that revealed that increased speed limits resulted in an increase in the number of car accidents and auto accident related fatalities.
Speed frequently is also combined with alcohol and other dangerous accident risk factors. An accident victim typically must establish negligence of the other driver to recover compensation for injuries. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for weather or road conditions generally will constitute negligence. Speeding increases the probability of a driver being involved in a Mississippi car accident resulting in serious injury in a number of ways including:
- Speeding decreases the amount of reaction time a driver has to engage in evasive maneuvers or to apply the brakes.
- Excessive speed increases the risk of skidding on icy or wet roadways.
- Stopping distance increases significantly as speed increases.
- Speeding increases the force of impact in a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object.
- There is an increased risk of losing control of the vehicle when turning if a driver is speeding.
If you have been involved in a serious car accident in Mississippi caused by a speeding driver, Barrett Law provides a thorough investigation of the facts, extensive legal research, meticulously drafted pleadings and motions as well as compelling courtroom advocacy. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.
