Speeding in Alpharetta is incredibly dangerous. Without speed laws, there would be no way to manage reckless drivers. Unfortunately, some people still choose to risk lives by exceeding the posted speed limit. If a speeding driver causes your accident, it’s time to talk to an Alpharetta car accident lawyer.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates have over 20 years of experience with car accident cases. We are here to hold careless drivers responsible. Most of all, we fight for the compensation you deserve. You should not have to pay for the costs of a driver’s negligence.
Contact us today, and we’ll get you a FREE consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
Types of Exceeding Speed Limit Laws in Alpharetta
There are two main types of speeding offenses in Georgia:
- Exceeding posted speed limits
- Driving too fast for conditions
Let’s look at each of these more closely. It’s important to understand just how the other driver was careless.
Exceeding Posted Speed Limits
Specific areas in Georgia have fixed speed limits. Another name for these limits is absolute speed limits.
Fixed speed limits include:
- School zones: 20 miles per hour (mph)
- Residential and urban areas: 30 mph
- Unpaved country roads: 35 mph
- Other roadways: 55 mph
- Physically divided highways: 65 mph
- Interstate highways: 70 mph
If a driver goes above one of these limits, it’s a violation.
Too Fast for Conditions
Besides posted speed limits, Georgia Code Section 40-6-180 ensures that drivers are aware of current conditions. No driver should go at a “speed greater than is reasonable and prudent” under current conditions. Drivers should also be mindful of “actual and potential hazards.”
Drivers should pay attention to weather and road conditions. If someone is within the speed limit but driving too fast for conditions, it’s still a violation. Drivers can also cause harm by driving too slowly for road conditions.
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How Georgia Penalizes Speeding Drivers
Georgia takes speeding violations very seriously. A speeding driver can face a speeding ticket and points on their license. Speeding violations are usually misdemeanors.
The penalties for a misdemeanor in Georgia often include a maximum of $1000 in fines and 12 months in jail. Speeding violations do not typically come with jail time, though.
Speeding Points System in Alpharetta
The speed limit will depend on where someone is driving. The more someone drives over the speed limit, the higher points they can get on their license. Too many points can lead to license suspension.
Here is how license points for speeding work in Georgia:
- Two points for driving between 15 mph and 19 mph over the speed limit
- Three points for driving between 19 mph and 24 mph over the speed limit
- Four points for driving between 24 mph and 34 mph over the speed limit
- Six points for driving 34 mph or more over the speed limit
Fines for Exceeding the Speed Limit
How fast someone is going over the speed limit determines their fines. Here are the maximum penalties a driver can receive:
- No penalty for five or less mph over the speed limit
- $25 fine for six to 10 mph over the speed limit
- $100 fine for 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit
- $125 fine for 15 to 18 mph over the speed limit
- $150 fine for 19 to 23 mph over the speed limit
- $500 fine for 24 to 33 mph over the speed limit
Some speeding misdemeanors are of a “high and aggravated nature.” For example, the penalties are high for speeding in work zones. A driver could face between $100 and $2,000 in fines and up to 12 months in jail for speeding in a work zone.
Super Speeder Violations in Alpharetta
A driver going at least 85 mph is a “super speeder.” A super speeder can face a $200 fine on top of other costs.
Of course, speeding can also cause injuries or death. If a driver harmed other people by speeding, they are responsible for the costs. The state might also charge the driver with anything from reckless driving to vehicular homicide.
If a speeding driver injured you or a loved one, you have rights. You can seek compensation through an insurance claim. John Foy & Associates can help. To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
What to Do After a Speeding Driver Hits You
After an accident caused by exceeding the posted speed limit, you can take action. There are ways you can start building your case immediately.
Get Medical Treatment
Your well-being is the number one priority. If you have severe injuries, call 911 for an ambulance. If the police are already at the scene, they can also get you help.
If you don’t need medical help at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait too long to see a doctor, it can hurt your case.
Report the Accident
Georgia Code Section 40-6-273 says you should report any accident with:
- Injuries or death
- $500 or more in property damage
The above points describe most car accidents. Call the police to report your accident. If the other driver was speeding, tell officers what you witnessed. They can question the other driver about their actions.
The police should create an accident report of what happened. You will need to get a copy of this report for your records.
Exchange Information
Exchange the following with the other driver:
- Full names
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance policy information
- Car license plate numbers
You will need this information to file your claim.
Take Photos
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures at the scene. If you can, photograph the following:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
Picture evidence is crucial for your insurance claim. Your photos will show how the scene looked right after the car accident.
Speak with Witnesses
If anyone else saw your accident happen, talk to them. Ask what each witness saw, and get their name and contact information.
Your lawyer can reach out to any witnesses later for statements. Witness statements help support your claim.
Talk to an Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer
Contact a trusted lawyer to discuss your accident. Your lawyer will help you build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak with an Alpharetta Car Accident Caused By Exceeding Posted Speed Limits Lawyer for Free
John Foy & Associates has been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. We are always on the side of victims — never insurance companies. To get a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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