Speed limits help keep everyone safe on Dunwoody roads. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they put themselves and others at risk. If someone’s speeding caused your car accident, you have options.
Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents. Careless mistakes are more likely when a driver is going over the limit. Just one error can cause severe injuries or death. Talk to a Dunwoody car accident lawyer today about your rights.
If another driver was at fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs. John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims recover their costs for over 20 years. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Speed Limits in Dunwoody
The state of Georgia has maximum speed limits under Georgia Code § 40-6-181.
Dunwoody drivers should not exceed these limits:
- 30 miles per hour on urban or residential streets
- 35 miles per hour on unpaved county roads (unless signs say otherwise)
- 70 miles per hour on interstate highways inside of an area with 50,000 or more population
- 75 miles per hour on interstates or multi-lane divided highways outside of areas with 50,000 or more population
- 65 miles per hour on state highways
- 55 miles per hour in other locations
These are general limits that might change based on conditions. Drivers should always watch for speed limit signs.
Some speed limits change based on the time of day or circumstances. For example, school zones exist at certain times and days. If there is construction happening, the limits might be temporarily lower.
Drivers must also adjust to weather or road conditions. Some situations will require driving below the posted speed limit. If the driver is being careless and causes an accident, they are responsible.
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Super Speeder Laws in Georgia
Georgia also has a Super Speeder law. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), a Super Speeder is someone convicted of:
- Speeding at 75 miles per hour or above on a two-lane road, or
- Speeding at 85 miles per hour or more on any Georgia road or highway.
The Super Speeder faces a $200 fee and possibly other local fines. If the driver doesn’t pay, they’ll face a driver’s license suspension.
Super Speeders are especially dangerous for everyone. Speeding makes it hard to avoid careless actions. Speeding drivers also can’t quickly respond to hazards or unsafe conditions.
Filing a Claim After a Speeding Accident
All Dunwoody drivers have a responsibility to drive safely. After all, driving is a privilege—not a right. A safe driver is someone who follows all speed limit laws.
If a speeding driver caused your accident, they are responsible for the damages. As the victim, you can file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Through this claim, you can request compensation for your losses.
Your injury claim must prove that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care (as all drivers do)
- The driver exceeded the posted speed limit, which is negligence
- The driver’s speeding led to your accident
- You have injuries and damages from the crash
Negligence is a legal term for carelessness. In other words, the driver was not showing reasonable care towards you and others. The driver is responsible for the damages caused by their negligence.
You shouldn’t have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Get help with your injury claim and more today. For a FREE consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000.
Damages You Can Claim
Any losses from the accident are your “damages.” You will probably have damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle damage costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Your claim will need to show all of your damages. That includes emotional injuries like pain and suffering. Before filing a claim, make sure you know all of your damages.
Your lawyer can help calculate your accident losses. You can prove financial costs through bills and other documents, but pain and suffering are more complicated. Talk to a lawyer today about the compensation you deserve.
Dangers of Exceeding the Speed Limits
Speeding causes so many injuries and deaths each year. It’s also a careless action that drivers can avoid. Sadly, many motorists still choose to exceed the posted speed limit.
Speeding can cause:
- Careless driving mistakes
- Slower reaction time
- Loss of vehicle control
- Poor judgment
- Aggressive or reckless driving
A speeding driver is not entirely in control. Since they’re not careful, an accident can happen at any time. Unfortunately, that means innocent drivers like yourself can become victims.
Why Drivers Speed in Dunwoody
Drivers might speed for various reasons. Some of the most common we see include:
- Running late
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Inattentive driving
- Being in a hurry
A speeding driver might be responding to factors unrelated to driving. Maybe they are dealing with life stressors that they take out on the road. But no matter the reason, there is no excuse for endangering others.
If your car accident was caused by exceeding the posted speed limit, you have rights. You might be eligible for full compensation. Reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer today.
Driving Below the Speed Limit
Sometimes, driving too slowly is also a problem. Many highways have minimum speed limits to prevent too-slow driving, which can block the flow of traffic.
Slower vehicles should also allow others to pass. If the driver can’t maintain the minimum limit, they should look for alternative routes or avoid driving when possible.
Penalties for Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit
Speeding is usually a misdemeanor in Georgia. The punishment can be:
- Up to $1,000 in fines and/or
- Up to 12 months in jail
Someone rarely goes to jail for simply speeding. But the penalties are worse if the driver causes injuries or deaths. If someone dies, the driver could be convicted of vehicular homicide.
Speak with a Dunwoody Car Accident Lawyer Today
You should not have to pay for a speeding driver’s carelessness. Talk to a lawyer today about your compensation options. You might be eligible to recover all of your accident costs.
John Foy & Associates can help. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on healing. You don’t pay us unless we win your case, and the consultation is always free.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
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