Speeding Increases as Roads Empty for COVID-19

Besides being a devastating public health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic could also have a significant effect on driver safety, with many states reporting an increase in the number of speeding tickets issued despite the enormous reduction in the number of cars on the road. Furthermore, many experts anticipate that, although there will probably be fewer collisions in coming months, crashes that do occur may result in more serious injuries, as a large number will probably involve speeding. If you were recently involved in a collision caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless driving, you could be entitled to compensation. Please contact an experienced Halifax County, VA lawyer who can help you seek compensation for your losses.

The Dangers of Speeding

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), excessive speed was a contributing factor in 26 percent of all accident-related facilities in 2017. Sadly, these numbers are not unusual. In fact, for the last two decades, speeding was believed to play a role in around one-third of all car accident fatalities.

While speeding doesn’t always result in a collision, it does significantly increase a person’s chances of being injured in a crash, as excessive speed tends to:

• • Create a higher likelihood that a person will lose control of a vehicle;
  • Reduce the effectiveness of airbags and seatbelts;
  • Increase the stopping distance after a driver perceives an impending collision; and
  • Increase crash severity.

All of these factors make it much more likely that a driver who is speeding will be involved in a collision, which can have devastating consequences for anyone else on the road.

Distracted Driving and Speeding 

Speeding, like any type of negligent driving, has a number of causes, but can often be attributed to distraction. Distracted driving has proven to be especially dangerous in the last decade, with cell phone use (and texting in particular) topping the list of the most common distracted driving-related activities. Now, with fewer drivers on the road, combined with the stresses that have come with the current COVID-19 crisis, many drivers may find it easier than ever to become distracted.

Whatever the cause of the distraction, distracted drivers typically fail to maintain their speed, driving slower or faster than other drivers or the posted speed limit. This significantly increases the chances that a person will be involved in a collision, and if driving at excessive speeds, increases the likelihood that the parties in the crash will suffer severe injuries like broken bones, internal injuries, severe lacerations, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.

Recovering Compensation for Accident-Related Losses

Those who are involved in collisions caused by someone else’s speeding could recover damages compensating them for:

• • Past and future medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of an injury;
  • Lost wages incurred while rehabilitating after a crash;
  • Property damage, including the cost of vehicle repair or replacement;
  • Emotional distress suffered by victims who were involved in particularly devastating accidents; and
  • Pain and suffering endured by a victim as a result of his or her physical injuries.

While filing a legal claim may not be an injured motorist’s first priority, it is often the best way to ensure that an injured party is able to get the medical care that he or she needs after a serious collision. Unfortunately, filing car accident claims isn’t always easy, so if you were hurt in a collision, it is important to speak with an experienced Halifax County, VA car accident lawyer who can ensure that your claim has the best possible chance of success.

Call Us Today for Help with Your Case 

To learn more about seeking compensation for your own collision-related monetary losses, please contact dedicated Halifax County car accident attorney Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. at 434-969-4873 today.