It’s a fact: speeding is dangerous. In 2017, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of fatal car accidents, according to the .
But why is speeding so dangerous? Let’s take a look at the risks of speeding and why it can result in a serious car accident.
The Risks of Speeding
A driver has a duty of care to operate their vehicle as a reasonable person would. By speeding, the driver violates this duty of care and can be found at fault for causing the car accident.
The risks of speeding include:
- Less effective airbags and seatbelts
- Shorter stopping distances
- Increased likelihood losing control of the vehicle
- More severe car accident injuries
Less Effective Airbags and Seatbelts
Airbags and seatbelts save lives. However, there’s only so much they can do to prevent injuries in a high-speed collision.
When someone drives over the speed limit, they increase the impact of the collision. That means airbags and seatbelts won’t be able to protect the driver and any passengers as effectively as they would in a lower-impact collision.
Shorter Stopping Distances
Drivers need to exercise caution and put a reasonable amount of distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. This is especially true when it’s raining. In rain, snow, or other inclimate weather, drivers need to increase their following distance even more to protect themselves and the people in the car in front of them.
When a negligent driver speeds, they have an even shorter stopping distance. Combined with any bad weather, that could severely increase the risk of causing a serious car accident.
Increased Likelihood of Losing Control of the Vehicle
People who drive over the speed limit have more difficulty steering, braking, and otherwise controlling their vehicles. For this reason, drivers are more likely to cause accidents when they go too fast around corners or are unable to slow down in time for unforeseen obstacles in the road.
More Severe Car Accident Injuries
People are more likely to be severely injured or even killed in high-speed collisions. If you or a loved one have serious car accident injuries due to another driver speeding, you should speak with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
What to Do If Speeding Caused Your Car Accident
Since Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state, you’ll first need to file a claim with your own . PIP will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages up to the limits of your policy, regardless of who is at fault for causing the car accident.
However, Michigan law allows you to step outside the no-fault system if you’re seriously injured, like you may be if the driver who hit you was speeding. Under these circumstances, you may be able to file a third-party claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. This way, you can collect noneconomic damages, such as those for pain and suffering.
Even if you were partially at fault for the car accident, you may still be able to file a third-party claim. Michigan follows comparative negligence law, which means your compensation would be reduced by the percentage you’re found responsible. For example, a claim worth $100,000 might be reduced to $80,000 if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the car accident.
Speak with a Car Accident Attorney
Our Grand Rapids, MI, car accident lawyers will fight for your rights so you can receive the compensation you deserve after being injured in a speeding accident. Call Beurkens Law today at (616) 459-5344, or contact us online for a free consultation.
This blog post has been updated.
