Why is Speeding a Factor in So Many Fatal Accidents in Illinois?

 Posted on October 09, 2020 in Personal Injury

Driving over the speed limit is such a common occurrence that you may not even think twice about it, and chances are that you have done it yourself from time to time. However, this casual attitude toward speeding is concerning given the fact that speeding was a factor in 42 percent of all fatal car accidents in Illinois in 2018, which is a greater portion than all but five other states. Speeding poses a clear danger to everyone on the road, and those who have been injured in a speeding accident may face a difficult path to recovery.

The Dangers of Speeding in Illinois

Speeding is dangerous both because it increases the risk of a crash and the severity of injuries that may result. A speeding driver takes longer to stop when an emergency situation arises, which may lead to a rear-end collision, and speeding drivers may also have more difficulty controlling their vehicle, especially when road conditions are poor. Driving at faster speeds also increases the force of impact in a collision, which may result in catastrophic injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and extremities, many of which can be fatal.

Speeding is also associated with several other risk factors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2018, 37 percent of speeding drivers in fatal crashes had been drinking, 25 percent did not have a valid driver’s license, and 48 percent were not wearing a seatbelt.

What to Do After an Accident With a Speeding Driver

If you have been injured in a crash with a driver who was speeding, you may be eligible for compensation if you can demonstrate that the driver’s negligent behavior was the cause of the accident. You should consider hiring an attorney as soon as possible to help you collect and preserve the evidence you need to succeed. If a law enforcement officer detected the driver’s speeding, the police report can be a valuable piece of evidence to support your claim. Video footage of the accident, witness testimony, and pictures of the accident that show skidmarks or the force of impact can also be important. You may also need to demonstrate that you were not speeding at the time, as any behavior that points to your own negligence could decrease your compensation.

Contact a DuPage County Car Crash Attorney

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we believe in doing our part to reduce speeding accidents in Illinois by holding negligent drivers accountable, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve for you or your loved one. We offer free consultations when you contact an experienced Lombard personal injury attorney at 630-932-9100.