Struck By a Speeding Driver? You May Be Entitled to Compensation

 Posted on December 16, 2021 in Speeding

Speeding is estimated to be the cause of approximately a third of all traffic fatalities. Traveling at high speed increases the force on vehicle occupants in the event of a crash. This is why accidents caused by speeding often result in catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries and paralysis. If you or a loved one were injured in a collision caused by a speeding driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.

Traffic Accidents Caused by Speeding

Most people admit that they speed from time to time. However, speed limits exist for a reason, and failing to comply with posted speed limits can lead to much more than a traffic ticket. Speeding makes it harder to control the vehicle or respond to hazards in the road. It increases the amount of time it takes to stop the vehicle. Lastly, if a collision does occur, the risk of injury or death is greater if one or both vehicles were speeding. In fact, every 10 mph increase in speed doubles the chances of dying in a collision. Drivers who cause accidents because they are speeding may be liable for the victims’ medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses.

Holding a Negligent Driver Responsible

If you were hurt or you lost a loved one due to another driver’s choice to speed, you may be able to hold the driver accountable through a personal injury claim. Per Illinois law, the driver, or more likely, the driver’s insurer, must compensate you for damages. However, getting the compensation, you are entitled to can be tricky. Insurance companies often try to deny liability or claim that the injured driver is fully or partly responsible for the collision.

A personal injury lawyer can represent you during communications with the insurance company and advocate for your best interests. Most lawyers try to reach an out-of-court settlement with the insurance company that adequately compensates the injured person for his or her losses. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, the best course of action may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a legal action through the court system that seeks compensation for financial and non-financial damages. Compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair or replacement may be available.

Contact a Waukegan Car Crash Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt by a speeding driver, contact Salvi & Maher, LLP for help. Our team of skilled Lake County personal injury attorneys can stand up for you during settlement negotiations with the insurance company and fight for an adequate settlement. If needed, we can also represent you during a personal injury lawsuit. Call 847-662-3303 today to learn more.

Source:

https://www.emcins.com/losscontrol/insights-d/2020/08/speed-increases-risk/