How Speeding Affects Liability in Car Accidents

If you suffered injuries in a car accident, the speeds of the vehicles involved in the collision play an essential role in almost every aspect of your case. Speed is one of the leading contributors to accidents, can impact the severity of your injuries, and can even play a role in determining liability. An experienced Alabama car accident attorney can help you understand how speed affected the incident that caused your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Speeding Contributes to Car Accidents

Speed can contribute to accidents and injuries in several ways. In general, vehicles traveling at higher speeds require more distance to come to a complete stop. Higher speeds also mean less time for drivers to react to road hazards, including other stopped or slowed vehicles. And the faster a vehicle is traveling, the more force a collision has, leading to more significant and life-altering injuries.

Some of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions caused by speeding are rear-end collisions and roll-over accidents.

Determining Liability in a Speeding-Related Accident

Determining liability is a key part of any auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You must identify the liable party before you can seek compensation for your injuries. One way of showing that the other driver is responsible for the accident and your injuries is to provide proof of their speeding, such as in the form of traffic camera footage.

However, evidence of speeding isn’t only helpful for strengthening your case; it can also harm it. Under the Alabama contributory negligence law, you cannot recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident that harmed you. With this in mind, insurance companies may claim that you contributed to your injuries by speeding, making it crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can provide evidence to the contrary.

Compensation Available for Victims

Compensation for car accident victims in Alabama includes the following:

• Medical Expenses – This compensation is for the cost of the medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, medical devices, and physical therapy you receive related to the accident.
• Lost Wages – This compensation is for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries or will lose because of your injuries’ impact on your ability to work.
• Permanent Disability – This compensation is for accommodating any disabilities you sustained, such as by modifying your home or vehicle to be wheelchair accessible.
• Pain and Suffering – This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience because of your injuries.

How Stokes Stemle Can Help

If you suffered an injury in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, the Alabama personal injury lawyers at Stokes Stemle LLC can help you seek the compensation you deserve through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys can assist you by:

• Investigating the incident and identifying all liable parties
• Collecting evidence, including eyewitness statements and traffic camera footage
• Filing your claim or lawsuit
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing your case at trial if the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement

Contact Stokes Stemle LLC today for a free consultation with an experienced Alabama car accident attorney. During your consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your options for seeking compensation, and answer any questions you have about the process.