Speeding is dangerous, and saving a few minutes on your daily commute is not worth the risks. Yet, many drivers continue to exceed posted speed limits. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, there were 32,719 traffic deaths. Of these, 9,613 were a result of high speed accidents. In this post, our Willens car crash lawyers will discuss the dangers of speeding, and how high speed accidents often cause catastrophic injuries.
Dangers of high speed accidents
High speed car accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. In high speed accidents, the force of the impact is very high, so that resulting damage is can cause more serious injuries to all occupants. If a speeding vehicle crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, the injuries can be fatal.
Speeding is also more dangerous because it makes it more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. Sharp curves and potholes can cause the speeding vehicle to spin out of control, or even rollover. A speeding vehicle takes longer to stop, which means the driver would not get sufficient time to stop at signals or avoid obstacles.
According to the NHTSA, a crash is considered speed related if the driver of the vehicle was charged with a speeding related offence, or if the police officer indicates driving too fast for condition, racing, or exceeding the posted speed limit to be a contributing factor in the accident.
Common catastrophic injuries caused by speeding
Catastrophic injuries often result in long term or permanent injuries and disabilities. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries resulting from high speed accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage, including collapsed lungs or punctured organs
- Amputation
- Permanent disability, either cognitive or physical
- Loss of internal organs
Catastrophic injuries often have lifelong implications for the victim and his/her family. The victim often requires long term, and in many cases lifelong, medical care. The victim is faced with huge medical expenses, and the situation is worsened by the fact that he/she can no longer work and earn a living. Pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life make problems even worse.
Recovering damages for catastrophic injuries resulting from a high speed collision in Illinois
If you or someone close to you has sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of a high speed car accident, there are several ways in which you can seek compensation for your injuries. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In cases involving catastrophic injuries,you may have to file a lawsuit to recover excess damages.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim against your own insurance policy if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. Again, if your damages exceed the policy limits, filing a lawsuit may be an option.
If you have been involved in an Illinois automobile accident, call the experienced attorneys at Willens Law Offices at (312) 957-4166 to learn more about your legal rights.
