Driving over the speed limit is one of the most violated traffic rules in Florida, which often results in fatal car crashes. Thus, the state has imposed some harsh laws to try to curb this behavior. If you are a car accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you recover your losses.
Speeding injury facts in Florida
A recent statistic showed that speeding was a factor in 29% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the country. An average of over 30 people are killed per day, or 11,258 per year. The study also showed that speeding causes 16% of all collisions that result in serious injury.
Reasons why speeding is dangerous
When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to things that happen on the road. This means that if someone cuts them off or if there is an obstacle in the road, they may not have enough time to brake and avoid a collision. Also, vehicles at high speeds require more time to stop, so even if the driver does have time to brake, they may not be able to stop in time.
Additionally, our brains can safely react while driving at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Consequently, our brains have a harder time processing what is happening around us when we are driving over 40 miles per hour. This can lead to us not seeing critical things like stop signs and pedestrians.
What to do when you are the victim of an accident caused by speeding
Florida is a No-Fault car insurance state, which means if you sustain injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault, your insurance company is responsible for paying for your medical expenses based on the coverage you chose when you bought your policy. In most cases this means your auto insurer will pay 80% of the first $10,000 of your auto injury related medical bills, based on the statutory fee schedule, minus your PIP deductible. Medical bills over $10,000, lost wages and pain and suffering damages, including wrongful death, are recoverable from the at-fault driver’s insurer or your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it and the accident was not your fault. Who pays your property damages is also determined by fault, who caused the accident. This means as long as the accident is not your fault, the other driver’s insurer will pay for your property damages. If the other driver has no insurance, not enough insurance or you are at fault, and if you bought collision and comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay for your property damages, minus whatever deductible you chose.
Car accidents are unfortunately quite common, but they are often even more devastating when they are caused by someone who was speeding. It is important to know your rights if you are ever injured in an accident so that you can get the compensation you deserve. Consequently, if you are the victim of an accident caused by speeding, call Jontiff & Jontiff for a free consultation.