All drivers must exercise reasonable care on Smyrna roads. That includes not driving at unsafe speeds. Sadly, too many motorists fail to follow traffic laws. A Smyrna speeding lawyer can help seek the compensation you deserve.
Speeding crashes often lead to severe injuries. A speeding car hits another with enormous impact. As the victim, you’ll have painful injuries, medical bills, and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We’ve been working with car accident victims for over 20 years. We also do not charge a fee unless we win your case. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Types of Speeding in Smyrna
In Georgia, there are two ways a driver can violate speeding laws. Both significantly increase the risk of an accident. They’re also both examples of negligent driving behavior.
Basic Speeding Rules
Drivers typically rely on posted speed limits to control their speeds. However, speed limits do not always mean safe. A driver can also speed if they are going too fast for conditions.
According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-180, Georgia drivers must:
- Not driver faster than is “reasonable and prudent” under current conditions
- Have regard for “actual and potential” hazards
Also, according to the code, drivers must adjust their speed when:
- Approaching or crossing an intersection
- Coming upon or crossing a railroad grade crossing
- Approaching or going around a curve
- Coming upon the bottom of a hill
- Driving on a narrow or winding road
- There are unique traffic or pedestrian conditions
- Current hazardous weather or highway conditions
For example, icy roads can affect driving safety in Smyrna. Although the posted speed limit is 55 mph, drivers will need to go much slower to avoid accidents.
Maximum Speed Limits
The other type of speeding is about maximum limits. If a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, they have violated traffic laws. Drivers must follow speed limits unless a hazard exists that requires slower speeds.
Georgia Code Section 40-6-181 outlines maximum speed limits for different areas:
- Urban and residential areas: 35 mph
- Unpaved country roads (unless signs say otherwise): 35 mph
- Federal highways outside of metropolitan areas with 50,000 people or more: 75 mph
- Physically-divided highways outside of urban areas with 50,000 people or more: 75 mph
- Federal roads inside of urban areas with 50,000 people or more: 65 mph
- Physically-divided state highways without full access control: 65 mph
- Other locations: 55 mph
A driver can face fines and tickets for exceeding posted speed limits. These limits exist for good reasons. If someone speeds, they increase the chance of a severe accident.
If another driver caused your accident, you’ll need to show that they were speeding. Your claim should demonstrate how the speeding led to your accident injuries. Talk to a Smyrna speeding lawyer about how to build your case in this way.
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Why Drivers Speed in Smyrna
Speeding contributes to 26% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers can speed for many different reasons, including:
- Rushing to an appointment
- Disregarding others’ safety
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Impatience with traffic
Talk to a lawyer today if a speeding driver caused your accident. Your lawyer can help you seek compensation for your damages.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build successful claims. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you money.
To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Statute of Limitations for Speeding Car Accidents
After a speeding accident, you have limited time. You’ll need to file your claim within two years of the accident date. Two years is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to seek compensation. To make sure you stay on track, contact a lawyer today. Be sure to work with a Smyrna speeding lawyer who understands these types of cases.
Damages to Claim from a Speeding Accident in Smyrna
After the accident, you will have damages like:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
You can seek financial recovery from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To do this, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim.
There are different types of damages in an injury case. Let’s look at the main types and how you can include them in your claim.
Special (Economic) Damages
Special damages have exact financial values. They include medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.
You can show special losses through bills, receipts, and more. Your lawyer can determine your total special damages through documentation. You must also include proof of each loss in your claim.
General (Non-Economic) Damages
General damages are challenging to show. They include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. General losses are about how the accident has affected your life.
Contact a Smyrna speeding lawyer who can help you with general damages. Your lawyer will use a formula to put a money value on non-economic costs.
Punitive Damages
Sometimes, accident victims can claim punitive damages. These damages are available when there is wanton or malicious behavior. If you have severe injuries or lost a loved one, talk to your lawyer about punitive damages.
Punitive damages are about punishing the wrongdoer for their actions. The courts also award them to discourage future similar behavior. However, punitive damages can also help the victim financially.
Talk to a Smyrna Speeding Lawyer for Free Today
If a speeding driver caused your accident, call John Foy & Associates. We have been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers will listen to your story and discuss how we can assist.
Working with us is risk-free for our clients. We do not collect a fee unless we win you compensation. Plus, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
