Harrisonburg Speeding Accident Lawyer
Speeding is reckless and endangers the safety of Virginia drivers daily. Speeding is a factor in about a third of all fatal accidents.
Attorney David Kendall and the team at Kendall Law Firm in Harrisonburg, Virginia help people who have been injured by speeding drivers hold the negligent drivers accountable. We demand the compensation that speeding accident victims need and fight to prevent big insurance companies from taking advantage of those who have been injured. Our firm is committed to advocating for those who turn to us for help.
If you have been injured in a speeding accident caused by another driver, talk to a Harrisonburg car accident attorney today. We offer a free case evaluation and can answer your questions about the legal process for seeking compensation.
Recent Speeding Accidents in Virginia
Speeding is dangerous behavior. The Virginia Highway Safety Office estimates that there were 22,479 speed-related crashes on state roadways in one year. The office also recorded a total of 406 speed-related fatalities.
Speed-related accidents make local headlines regularly. Recently, a woman and four children were hospitalized after a high-speed collision with multiple vehicles. A high-speed chase on I-81 left one dead and two others hospitalized in Botetourt County. But these are only a handful of the speed-related incidents that occur on Virginia roadways.
Why You Should Hire a Speeding Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Speeding accidents can cause significant physical and financial harm. It can be challenging to pursue an injury claim with an insurer while also coping with recovery from traumatic injuries. An experienced Harrisonburg speeding accident attorney can step in on your behalf. The lawyer will manage the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company.
A skilled personal injury attorney will investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence that strengthens your case. From medical documentation to physical evidence from the crash, your lawyer can use this information to establish liability and build a compelling case for compensation.
A Virginia speeding accident lawyer can protect your rights and manage disputes that may arise with the insurer. Insurance companies will try to protect their own interests by paying the least amount possible to settle a claim. A seasoned attorney can negotiate on your behalf and seek full and fair compensation.
Causes of Speeding
When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, he or she is generally not thinking about the consequences of their actions. The common causes of speeding do not justify putting other lives in danger.
The most common causes of speeding include the following:
- Running late or poor time management — The most common reason people speed is because they are running behind. Being late for an appointment, work, school, or other functions can make people think they need to speed to get where they are going. Unfortunately, speeding within the Harrisonburg city limits does not make up a meaningful amount of time. It may jeopardize the safety of others, however.
- Traffic — No one wants to sit in traffic any longer than they absolutely must. Speeding in heavy traffic situations is particularly hazardous.
- Disregard of the law and other drivers — Some drivers do not care about the consequences of their behavior and will speed even though they know it is dangerous. Others find speeding thrilling and enjoy the rush of adrenaline.
Common Injuries That Result From Car Accident Due to Speeding
Cars traveling at a high rate of speed can cause catastrophic damage when they hit other vehicles. Even modern safety features such as airbags can’t fully protect motorists from traumatic injuries. Some of the most common injuries that result from speeding accidents include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Strains
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Rib, chest, and torso damage
- Seat belt injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Wrongful death
Serious injuries can put a significant financial strain on car accident victims. Medical expenses can be enormous. Severe injuries may require rehabilitation and future medical treatment. A car accident victim may be unable to work and lose months of income. An accident victim may have a right to seek compensation to cover current and future medical costs and other losses associated with a speeding accident caused by another driver.
Are Speeding Drivers Automatically At Fault After a Car Accident?
The determination of fault depends on the circumstances of the speeding accident. A speeding driver may be at fault for violating the speed limit and causing an accident. But the victim’s actions also could have contributed to causing the accident. If a victim also is partly responsible for a crash, he or she may not be able to recover compensation in Virginia
While a speeding driver may be at fault for an accident, that doesn’t automatically mean the victim can always easily recover compensation for their injuries. The insurance company may dispute the claim and deny liability. A personal injury lawyer can review your case and help determine if the other driver was responsible for the accident.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was Negligent?
To prove that a driver was negligent, you must show that they failed to take reasonable precautions such as driving at a safe speed and that their negligence caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries. You’ll also have to show that your injuries resulted in losses for which you could be compensated.
All motorists are required to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. In many situations, it can be argued that speeding violates a driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. When an accident caused by speeding results in injuries, a victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
It takes evidence to show that a negligent driver was speeding. Gathering evidence that establishes these facts can be challenging.
An experienced car crash attorney understands how vital it is to conduct a complete investigation into the cause of the car accident before the evidence deteriorates or is lost. During the investigation, evidence such as video surveillance, witness statements, photographs, and police reports can be gathered that may support a victim’s case.
Compensation for a Speeding Crash
The amount of compensation that a speeding accident victim may claim will depend on numerous factors including the severity of the victim’s injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the insurance policies available to provide compensation.
In general, accident victims in Virginia who do not bear any fault for the accident may be able to claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of current wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Never accept an insurance company’s initial offer without consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. An insurance company may make a low-ball offer right away, hoping that a financially-stressed victim will accept it without further consideration. Insurance companies do this to limit their liability. Let an experienced speeding accident attorney at Kendall Law Firm review the details of your accident and discuss what you should reasonably expect in the way of compensation for your injuries. A lawyer who has handled many car accident claims can offer an informed perspective about what your case may be worth.
Statute of Limitations to File a Speeding Accident Claim in Virginia
Victims of car accidents have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Virginia gives victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
An insurer not willing to negotiate in good faith can drag out settlement negotiations for months. By the time a victim realizes a personal injury lawsuit is their only way to recover meaningful compensation, it may be too late to conduct an investigation and prepare a lawsuit. It’s in your best interest to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
Get in Touch With Our Trusted Speeding Accident Lawyers Today
Have you been injured in a speeding accident in Harrisonburg or elsewhere in the Shenandoah Valley? Do you want honest and straightforward advice about how you can seek full compensation for your injuries? contact an experienced speeding accident lawyer at the Kendall Law Firm for help.
Kendall Law Firm will work with you to assess your case and give you upfront legal advice about your legal options to pursue compensation. Kendall Law Firm offers a free case evaluation with no strings attached. Set up your free case review online today.