Speed kills. Every year, over 37,000 people die in automobile accidents and another 2.3 million are injured or disabled. These fatalities include over 1,600 children under the age of 15. Speed – to be specific, excessive or unsafe speed–is often a factor. In fact, the risk of someone being injured or killed increases exponentially when the motorist is speeding excessively. This is because the vehicle speed at the moment of impact often determines the severity of the injury.
When speed is a factor in the cause of the accident, it does not necessarily mean the driver was exceeding the speed limit. The crucial factor is driving too fast for the road conditions. If you have been injured in an auto accident resulting from a speeding motorist, consult an experienced Chicago speeding accident lawyer that can advise you of your rights and help you with your claim.
Victims of Speeding Accidents
When drivers speed and drive unsafely, they put both themselves and others at risk to bodily injury, property damage and death. Examples of the most common victims of speeding accidents include:
- The driver’s own passengers: How many times have we read about a driver who walks away from an accident while one or more of his passengers suffers a fatality or extreme bodily injury?
- Pedestrians: It goes without saying that a speeding driver puts pedestrians, especially children and the elderly, at greater risk. The driver cannot stop in time to avoid an accident, or might not see the pedestrian until it’s too late.
- Bicyclists: Like pedestrians, bicyclists are vulnerable to the speed and potentially dangerous weight of vehicles driven at excessive speeds. They cannot get out of the way quick enough and, if struck, often suffer severe injuries or fatality.
- Other Motorists: Motorcyclists, scooter drivers, even bystanders can become victims of speeding vehicles that cause accidents or spin out of control.
Speeding Motorist Liability Claims
It is always the driver’s duty to know and honor the posted speed limit. And since speed limits vary from state to state and area to area, drivers must always be paying attention. Any driver who exceeds the speed limit and/or drives too fast for the road conditions can be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused.
When a speed-related vehicle injury or death occurs, there are many factors to consider and some accidents can be very complicated, even requiring accident reconstruction experts. At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over two decades of experience representing victims of unsafe driving and speeding accidents in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout the U.S. We have a strong track record of securing full compensation for our clients in these types of cases. If you or someone you know has been injured from a motorist driving at an excessive speed, contact an aggressive Chicago speeding accident lawyer at HM&M today for your free consultation.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
