Speeding is one of the most common reasons for accidents in Brookhaven. And still, drivers choose to exceed the posted speed limit. If a speeding driver caused your car accident, you have rights.
Speeding drivers put everyone on the road at risk. Plus, high-speed accidents often cause severe injuries or deaths. If someone else caused your accident, you can seek financial recovery. Our Brookhaven car accident lawyers will show you how.
To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Your Time Limit to File a Claim in Georgia
When another driver causes an accident, the injured driver can file a personal injury claim. You can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. But keep in mind that you have limited time.
The statute of limitations in Georgia is typically two years (Georgia Code §9-3-33). You must take legal action within two years of your accident date. If you miss the deadline, the courts will bar you from compensation.
Many factors can impact the statute of limitations. However, it’s best to assume the window begins on your accident date. You’ll also want to start working on your claim immediately. Contact an experienced lawyer today to get started on your case.
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Exceeding the Posted Speed Limits Endangers Lives
Speeding is a very hazardous activity in Brookhaven. It’s also incredibly deadly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed 9,378 people in 2018. Speeding has also been a factor in a third of accident deaths for over two decades.
Speeding makes accidents more dangerous because:
- The speeding driver is more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
- A speeding car needs more time to stop or slow down for a hazard.
- Injuries tend to be much worse in high-speed crashes.
- Safety features like airbags and seatbelts are less useful in some speeding accidents.
Speeding is also a common factor in drunk driving accidents. When a driver is speeding, they’re more likely to be doing something else illegal. After all, exceeding the posted speed limit means disregarding others’ safety.
Speeding accidents can happen anywhere in Brookhaven. They are common on highways, but they occur on residential streets, too. Anyone from motorists to pedestrians can suffer injuries in speed-related collisions.
If you believe a speeding driver caused your accident, call us today. At John Foy & Associates, we start with a FREE consultation. We’ll listen to the details of your case and discuss your options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Types of Speeding in Brookhaven
There are two ways a driver can disobey speeding laws in Georgia:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Driving too fast for conditions
Let’s look at the details of each. Even if a driver isn’t exceeding the speed limit, they can still be at fault. Sometimes, a driver will violate both types of speeding laws.
1. Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit
Most people think of going over the speed limit as “speeding.” For example, someone could be driving 80 mph on a 65 mph road. This is a very common type of speeding violation.
Georgia determines speed limits by the type of road. Here are the maximum speed for different areas:
- 30 mph in urban or residential areas
- 35 mph on unpaved country roads
- 70 mph on rural interstate highways
- 65 mph on urban interstate highways or multi-lane divided highways
- 55 mph in all over areas
Drivers must not exceed the limits unless otherwise posted. Local authorities might change a speed limit based on local conditions. Drivers should watch for speed limit signs on every road before assuming.
Speed limits can also change temporarily. For example, school zones require much lower limits. If construction is happening, the speed limits will be lower to protect workers.
2. Driving Too Fast for Conditions
A driver can also “speed” if they are going too fast for current conditions. For example, bad weather conditions or road hazards can require lower speeds. Examples of bad conditions include:
- Icy or snowy roads
- Flooding
- Road hazards
- Potholes
- Tornados or hurricanes
- Thunderstorms
Drivers should adjust to changing conditions. If the posted speed limit is unsafe for current conditions, drivers should slow down. A driver can cause severe injuries while driving too fast for conditions—even if they are within the posted speed limit.
Partial Fault in a Speeding Car Accident Case
Georgia has “modified comparative negligence” laws. Under these laws, you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for an accident. If you are partially responsible, you still have options.
Insurance companies often use partial fault laws against injured drivers. For example, the other driver’s insurer might try to blame you for the crash. If you accept the blame, it will reduce your compensation.
Before admitting any blame, talk to a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will determine who is truly at fault. They’ll work to pursue the full recovery you deserve.
Damages You May Recover in Your Accident Claim
If you did not cause your accident, you can seek compensation. You’ll need to know your damages before filing a claim. Typical car accident damages include:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
A speeding accident can leave you with enormous damages. Your lawyer will account for all losses you face—including future medical treatment.
You can usually settle without going to trial. However, if the insurance company won’t budge, your lawyer can help you sue. The goal is to get you the fullest compensation possible after your accident.
Talk to a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates understands how dangerous speeding can be. If another driver exceeded the posted speed limit and crashed into you, you have options. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
