
While many drivers view speeding as a minor infraction that may at worst lead to a ticket, speeding can have devastating consequences on the lives of accident victims. A New London speeding accident lawyer can help you file a claim against a speeding driver and pursue compensation to help you recover from the severe damages you are facing.
For over 80 years, the New London personal injury attorneys at Suisman Shapiro has been helping accident victims file claims against negligent or reckless drivers. We build claims that reflect the unique complexities of each speeding accident case, carefully establishing liability and proving damages. We work tirelessly to pursue the full recovery you need, as we understand how life-changing a car accident can be.
Speeding is a major problem on Connecticut roads, with about one-quarter of fatal accidents involving excessive speeds. Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident by reducing reaction time to road hazards and increasing the distance needed to come to a complete stop. Additionally, crashes that occur at high speeds often result in far worse injuries compared to crashes that occur at slower speeds.
Speeding happens nearly everywhere in the United States, even in areas like parking lots, school zones, or pothole-filled roads. In New London, there are certain areas where extra caution and awareness toward negligent drivers can be prudent. Some roadways where speeding is common are Interstate 91 and Route 17.
Beyond simply following the posted speed limit on highways and freeways, speed must reflect the conditions of the road. Poorly lit areas, low visibility, and snowy or icy roads can all make the speed limit too fast for Connecticut’s speeding accident laws. New London drivers should be particularly cautious during snowfall or sleet, when 15% of crashes occur.
As speeds increase, so do the damages after an accident. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle moving 50 mph has a 75% chance of death, while 58 mph raises the risk of death to 90%. By filing a claim, you can recover compensation to make up for your losses. Some common damages in a speeding accident claim include:
Claims must be carefully crafted to meet Connecticut’s legal requirements. This is particularly important when establishing the at-fault driver’s liability for your damages. A New London speeding accident lawyer can prove liability by gathering and analyzing evidence from the scene of the accident, such as:
When pursuing compensation, a New London car accident lawyer can work to bring a fair award. Insurance companies often try to decrease payouts by adding unnecessary complexity to the claims process, dismissing your claims, and minimizing your damages. A New London speeding accident attorney can challenge these delays and denials and advocate for the full compensation you need.
No, a speeding driver is not always the at-fault party, though they often have at least partial fault. If another, non-speeding driver’s actions directly caused the crash, such as if they failed to stop at an intersection or made an improper lane change, they will likely be found liable. To be held liable for a victim’s damages, a driver must have at least 50% of the responsibility for the crash. In many cases, the speeding driver is the liable party.
Driving over the speed limit is illegal, even if you are only driving a few miles per hour over the limit. Even if you are driving under the limit, you still may be speeding according to Connecticut’s speeding accident laws if your speed is too fast for dangerous conditions, such as wet roads or poor visibility. Ultimately, adhering to the posted speed limits and lowering your speed when needed can help you avoid a speeding ticket or a crash.
Punitive damages may be awarded for a speeding accident claim, though it depends on your case. These damages are included in compensation to punish the at-fault driver for extreme negligence, rather than to compensate you for specific damage. Examples of extreme negligence that may warrant punitive damages include excessive speeding in a school zone or speeding due to impaired decision-making from drinking and driving.
No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Connecticut is an at-fault state, allowing accident victims to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. At-fault claims can be more legally complex than no-fault claims, which is why it is important to hire a speeding accident lawyer when filing an at-fault claim. A lawyer can make sure you correctly establish a speeding driver’s liability for your damages.
Many drivers overlook the impact speeding can have in a car accident. But when extreme speeds are involved, victims can be left with catastrophic injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and high financial costs. A lawyer at Suisman Shapiro can help you build a claim that holds the speeding driver liable for your damages. Contact us today for a free case consultation to learn how we pursue a full recovery for every crash victim.