If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident liability in Georgia where speeding was a factor, we understand the confusion and worry you may be feeling. It’s normal to have a lot of questions about what happens next and how the situation will be resolved. Perhaps you’re wondering who will be held responsible, how the law works in your case, or how to handle the insurance companies. At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we are here to help guide you through this difficult time. We want you to know that we are empathetic to your situation and are ready to work tirelessly to ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Speeding, often seen as a minor traffic infraction, can actually have a significant impact on car accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident where speeding played a role, understanding the legal implications of this behavior is important. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how speeding affects liability in Georgia car accidents, what the law says, and how our firm can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
The Role of Speeding in Car Accidents
Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Georgia. It happens when a driver is traveling faster than the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions. In Georgia, as in many states, there are laws in place to help ensure drivers are not putting others at risk by driving at unsafe speeds. The law takes speeding seriously because it can drastically increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in areas where traffic conditions are unpredictable or the weather is poor.
When someone speeds, they increase their reaction time and the distance needed to stop their vehicle in an emergency. The faster a car is moving, the harder it becomes for the driver to respond to sudden changes in traffic or obstacles on the road. For instance, if a driver is speeding on a rainy day, the increased stopping distance can be dangerous, especially when driving near other vehicles or pedestrians. If a driver is speeding and causes an accident, the speeding itself may be seen as a contributing factor that led to the crash.
Adam Princenthal
Attorney At Law
David May
Attorney At Law
Matthew Wilson
Attorney At Law
How Speeding Impacts Liability in Georgia
In Georgia, liability in a car accident is determined by who was at fault for the crash. In the case of speeding, the law often holds the speeding driver responsible for the accident. Speeding is considered a form of negligence because the driver failed to exercise reasonable care by obeying speed limits and adjusting their speed according to the road and traffic conditions.
Suppose a driver is speeding in a residential area and hits another vehicle that legally enters the intersection. Even if the other driver failed to signal, the speeding driver may still be held more responsible for the accident due to the increased risk caused by speeding. In this scenario, the speeding driver’s actions could be considered the primary cause of the crash.
Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule when determining fault in car accidents. This means that if multiple factors contribute to an accident, the fault is divided based on how much each factor contributed to the crash. For example, if a driver is speeding but another driver was also partially responsible for the accident (e.g., by failing to yield), both parties may share the blame. However, even if you were partially at fault for the crash, Georgia law still allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.”
- Debau
I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner."
- Nancy K.
I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!"
- Jacque Minor
Speeding and Insurance Claims
When you file an insurance claim after a car accident, the insurance company will investigate the circumstances of the crash, including whether speeding was a factor. If speeding is found to be the cause or a contributing factor to the accident, it can significantly affect the outcome of the claim. Insurance companies often use speeding as evidence of negligence when determining liability. If the other driver was speeding, their insurance may be held responsible for your damages.
If a driver is found speeding during the investigation, their insurance might be liable for the injuries and damages. On the other hand, if you were the one speeding, your insurance company may still cover the damages, but your rates could increase, and you may be considered more responsible for the accident. The impact on your insurance claim and rates will depend on the specific details of the case and the percentage of fault assigned to you.
What Happens if Speeding Is a Factor in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In some cases, if the accident results in serious injuries, the injured party may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the other driver was speeding, their actions could be considered reckless, and you may be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Related Videos
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
How Long Will a Personal Injury Case Take?
Speeding, especially when it leads to severe accidents, can also open the door for punitive damages. While most car accident cases are settled based on the damages incurred, punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly harmful or reckless. For example, if the speeding driver was also driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages on top of the usual compensation.
How Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC Can Help You
At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we are here to support you through every step of your case, whether it’s negotiating with the insurance company or taking your case to court. We know how overwhelming the legal process can be, and we are committed to helping you understand your rights and options.
Representative Cases
We will work closely with you to gather the evidence needed to support your case, including witness statements, traffic reports, and expert testimony. If speeding was a factor in the accident, we will use this information to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence and work to secure the best possible outcome for you. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering that you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia and speeding was a factor, it’s essential to understand how this can impact liability in your case. Speeding increases the risk of accidents and can make the speeding driver liable for the damages caused. Whether you are pursuing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit, speeding can be a key factor in determining who is responsible for the crash.
At Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing a case like this. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident where speeding was involved, we are here to help. Our team of compassionate attorneys is ready to assist you in navigating the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case. We’re here to help you get the results you need.
