As you drive through Smyrna, you will see posted speed limit signs. These limits exist to help keep everyone safe. If another driver exceeded the speed limit and caused your accident, you have rights. A Smyrna car accident lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you hold the other driver accountable. Most importantly, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases.
Our lawyers do not collect a fee unless you recover money. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE. To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Why Exceeding the Speed Limit Is So Dangerous in Smyrna
Car accidents can happen at any time in Smyrna. But if one or more drivers are speeding, the damages can be much worse.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed 9,378 people in 2018. The year before, speeding contributed to 26% of all traffic deaths.
Speeding Leads to Car Accidents
The government sets speed limits for a reason. A speed limit reflects what is safe for the current road features. If a driver exceeds the allowed speed, they are more likely to:
- Lose control of their vehicle.
- Make careless mistakes.
- Not have enough time to stop or turn.
- Be more prone to severe accidents, like rollovers.
A speeding driver is not able to respond to and avoid hazards as well. Even if someone feels like they are in control, it doesn’t mean they are safe. Exceeding the posted speed limit increases the risk of an accident — every time.
Speeding Increases the Severity of Accidents
When an accident happens, it’s more likely to be dangerous if it involves speeding. A higher speed increases the force of impact. The collision will be more severe.
When the accident impact is higher, the risk of terrible injuries increases by a lot. Modern cars have safety features to help decrease injuries during an accident. However, no matter what features your vehicle has, speeding makes fatal injuries more likely.
Exceeding the posted speed limit can lead to injuries like:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Death
If another driver’s speeding caused your accident, talk to a lawyer. You might be entitled to financial compensation. You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs of a crash you didn’t cause.
John Foy & Associates can help you. We bring over 20 years of experience to the table. During a FREE consultation, we’ll listen to your story and discuss your options.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
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Speeding Laws in Smyrna
Georgia Code Section 40-6-181 covers the maximum speed limits in Georgia. According to the law, no one should exceed a maximum speed limit.
There are two ways you can know the maximum speed limit in Smyrna.
1. Posted Speed Limits
Some areas in Smyrna will have posted speed limits. Drivers should not exceed a posted speed limit for any reason. If you’re not sure what speed to travel, look for a speed limit sign.
2. Maximum Speeds By Road Type
If there is no speed limit sign, you can determine a speed limit by the roadway.
Here are the maximum speed limits by road type:
- Urban or residential districts: 30 miles per hour (mph)
- Unpaved county road unless there is a sign: 35 mph
- Highway with a federal interstate system: 70 mph
- Divided highways with full access control outside of an urban area with a population of at least 50,000: 70 mph
- Road with a federal interstate system inside of a metropolitan area with 50,000 people or more: 75 mph
- Divided highways without full access control on the state highway system: 65 mph
- Other locations: 55 mph
Drivers should be careful to know maximum speed limits. If there is no posted speed limit sign, it’s best to be cautious. A driver cannot use the excuse that they didn’t know the limit.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Smyrna drivers must also pay attention to current road conditions. Georgia law says no driver should go above a speed that is “reasonable and prudent” based on current conditions.
Inclement weather like rain or snow is an example of hazardous conditions. Other examples can include:
- Going around a curve
- Crossing a railroad crossing or intersection
- Traveling on a winding road
- Pedestrians in the street
If someone goes too fast for the current conditions, they can cause an accident.
Proving Liability in an Accident Caused by Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit
You might be entitled to compensation after a speeding accident. You can seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company. In your complaint, you’ll need to show that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver did not uphold their duty.
- The driver’s negligence caused your accident.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
A speeding driver is usually responsible for an accident. However, you will still need to gather evidence of the driver’s negligence.
Getting Help from a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer can help. Your lawyer will:
- Gather evidence from the accident scene.
- Compile proof of your total damages.
- Calculate what type of settlement you deserve.
- Help you file your claim on time.
- Handle the insurance company.
Insurance companies do not like to pay much on injury claims. But an experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate for you. If they are successful, you can expect a settlement that covers your accident costs.
Get a Free Consultation With a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers approach each case with experience and compassion. We are always on the side of injury victims — never insurance companies.
If you don’t know what to do after your accident, call us. We’ll listen to the details and go over your options. If you choose to work with us, there is no fee unless we recover money for you.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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