How Speeding Affects Liability in a Connecticut Car Accident
Following a car accident, you are likely searching for answers regarding the at-fault party and who can be held liable for compensation. It is important to understand how speeding affects liability in a Connecticut car accident, whether you were hit and injured along I-95 or while driving through Groton.
At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our Connecticut car accident lawyers are here to explain your rights and seek compensation on your behalf if you’ve been hit by a speeding driver.
Why Do People Speed in Connecticut?
In the United States, 6,500 people are injured in car accidents every day, and in 2023 alone, there were over 11,913 traffic fatalities that could be traced back to speeding.
Speeding is, unfortunately, all too common a behavior on the roadway. We have all been guilty of it at some point in our lives, but not all of us have caused an accident and injury due to this action. When we are injured due to speeding in Connecticut, we hold the right to file a legal claim for compensation.
Understanding why people might speed is just one factor to determine when calculating due compensation. Individuals across the state might speed for the following reasons:
- They are in a hurry or a rush.
- They don’t think they will get caught.
- They are not paying close attention to their speed.
- They are under the assumption that the traffic laws don’t apply to them.
- They don’t think that their actions are reckless or dangerous.
No matter a driver’s reasoning, when speeding causes an accident, it is a direct form of fault and liability. When you have suffered injuries due to a speeding driver in Connecticut, Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law is here to serve you, investigate your accident, and identify who holds liability.
How Speeding Affects Liability
When another driver chooses to speed in Connecticut, they are directly violating their responsibility to act toward other drivers and are creating a heightened risk for accidents. When the police arrive at the scene of a car accident, they will try to determine who the responsible party is. A driver who has broken the law and has chosen to speed is most likely at least partially to blame for the accident.
The police will work to gather evidence and information in order to proceed with determining who is at fault. It is crucial that during this time, you do not say anything that might be construed as taking responsibility. When the police interview you, stick to the facts. Even uttering a simple “I am sorry” can be taken as an admission of blame.
In Connecticut, speeding is considered an act of reckless driving, and if the other driver was speeding, then it is likely they will be deemed negligent, and you can hold them liable for negligence.
However, there may be other factors at play, such as distracted driving, poor roadway design, or bad weather conditions, which can play into determining liability and make it more challenging. For these reasons, it is essential that you only proceed with help from a lawyer.
Damages to Recover if a Speeding Driver Injures You
When you are hit by a speeding driver and suffer injuries or other damages, determining liability is the first step toward seeking compensation. Non-lethal car accidents cost victims around $162,000 in damages, and these costs should not have to come out of your own pocket. By filing a legal claim, you can recover compensation for these damages, including:
- Medical expenses. This can include any costs related to surgeries, treatments, emergency medical services, medications, medical devices, or physical therapy and rehabilitation that are needed following a car accident.
- Property damage. This can include any damage to your vehicle or the personal items inside your vehicle. Compensation can help to repair or replace any of the property that was damaged in a speeding accident.
- Lost wages. If you have to take off work to recover from your injuries, you can recover your lost wages through a personal injury claim. You may also be able to recover compensation for your lost earning capacity if you suffer a disability that keeps you out of work indefinitely.
FAQs
Is the Speeding Driver Always at Fault for a Car Accident?
No, the speeding driver might not always be the at-fault party; however, they can usually hold at least partial fault for the accident. If another driver’s actions, which do not include speeding, cause the crash, then they might be found liable. This can happen in cases where the at-fault driver made an improper lane change or did not stop at an intersection.
What Steps Should I Take After Being Hit by a Speeding Driver?
If you suffer impact and injury due to the actions of a speeding driver, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and your rights. First, call the police to report the accident and seek medical attention. If you can, document the scene of the accident by taking photos of your injuries and of the accident scene itself. Lastly, contact a car accident lawyer who can help you determine liability and calculate compensation.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
In a speeding accident claim, there are several actions your lawyer can take on your behalf to help recover compensation. First, they can investigate the accident and reconstruct the scene to gather further evidence. They can also interview witnesses, secure video footage and traffic data, negotiate with the insurance companies involved, and demonstrate how your injuries were worsened due to speed.
Can I Receive Punitive Damages in a Speeding Accident?
Yes, in some speeding accident claims, you may be able to recover punitive damages. While these damages are rarely awarded, they often come into play in cases where the liable party’s actions — in this case, speeding — are deemed to be grossly negligent or egregious. These damages are awarded to punish the liable party and dissuade them from taking similar action in the future.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you’re hit and injured by a speeding driver in Connecticut, you need to hire a car accident lawyer as quickly as possible. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our Connecticut personal injury lawyers are here for you. Contact us today online or by phone to learn more about our services and to set up an initial consultation.
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