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Santa Barbara Speeding Driver Accident Attorneys

Representing People Who Have Been Injured by Speeding Drivers in Santa Barbara

Speeding puts drivers and their passengers, and others on the roadway at risk. Speed-related crashes killed 9,478 people in a recent year in the U.S., as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more than two decades, approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities have involved speeding.

How Do Increases in Speed Exacerbate Injuries in an Accident?

Not only does speeding increase the risk of an accident but it can also increase the severity of injuries sustained in a wreck. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the impact of a collision. A high-speed crash reduces the effectiveness of crash safety vehicle designs, seat belts, and airbags. When a speeding vehicle crashes into a smaller, lighter vehicle, or a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, injuries can be catastrophic or fatal.

How Does Speeding Make It More Difficult to Control a Car?

A vehicle traveling at higher speeds requires more time and distance to stop. A speeding driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash. Speeding also creates a risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle. Traveling at high speeds reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to adapt to emergencies or changes in traffic situations.

What Are the Places Where Drivers Must Slow Down?

California law prohibits drivers from traveling at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent. State law also prohibits driving “at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property,” at California Vehicle Code Section 22350. A driver can get a ticket for going the posted speed limit if conditions at the time make it unsafe to travel at that speed. Such conditions may include visibility, weather, traffic, and road surface problems.

In certain locations, drivers must slow down to keep their speed reasonable and prudent. These locations include:

  • School zones
  • Construction zones
  • Train crossings
  • Residential neighborhoods
  • Accident scenes
  • Areas with daycare facilities, parks, or places where children are likely to play
  • Roads with heavy traffic
  • Highway entrance or exit ramps
  • Near hospitals, fire stations, or facilities with emergency vehicles
  • Winding mountain roads
  • Game crossing areas
  • On sand, rocks, or rough terrain

What Types of Injuries Can Speeding Drivers Cause?

Speeding drivers who crash can cause serious or fatal injuries. Common injuries in speed-related motor vehicle accidents include:

What Types of Compensation Are Available for a Speed-Related Crash?

Compensation available for an accident caused by a speeding driver in Santa Barbara will depend on the circumstances of the case. Possible damages may include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages or earnings
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Do You Need a Santa Barbara Lawyer for a Crash Caused by a Speeding Driver?

If you were hurt in a collision caused by a speeding driver, your injuries are likely to be severe. You will need compensation to cover the losses you have suffered, including your medical expenses and time away from work. Your best chance of obtaining a full and fair recovery is to have experienced Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys managing your claim.

At NordstrandBlack PC, we have the resources and experience necessary for fighting government entities and large insurance companies. Our Santa Barbara car accident lawyers have been successfully representing serious injury victims for more than 30 years. We also offer a free initial consultation. Contact us at (866) 298-2041.