When Speed is the Main Cause of a Car Accident and/or Fatality

The National Highway Transportation Safety (NHTSA) cites speed as the main factor for more than 25% of fatal accidents per year throughout the U.S.

In fact, speeding remains a culprit behind many of Indiana’s most serious car accidents and collisions. Attorney Matt Boulton has helped a number of Hoosiers who have been affected by an accident that was caused by excessive speed.

Given the serious consequences of driving too fast, we look closer at accidents caused by speed, Indiana laws and penalties associated with it, and what you can do if you are hurt or lose a loved one because of a collision caused by speeding.

Impact of Speeding

While we all hopefully know that driving too fast for conditions and/or above posted limits is never a wise decision, a simple fact sometimes needs to be repeated to help avoid these types of accidents: A speeding automobile has less time to react to its surroundings and will result in a greater force upon impact, leading to a greater possibility of various injuries and, in some instances, a wrongful death.

In addition to less reaction time and greater force, speed also increases the risks associated with other roadway dangers often seen in Indiana, such as poor weather conditions, construction zone sites, poorly maintained roads, animals in the roadway, pedestrians, rural roads, etc.

From a protection standpoint, speeding makes safety equipment less reliable, as seat belts and airbags may not be as effective at high speeds.

And if the risk of a serious accident is not enough to dissuade someone from speeding, we should also point out the economic impact: Faster speeds means more fuel usage, which means more money out of a driver’s pocket.

Speeding Violation Laws in Indiana

Speeding laws vary from state to state. However, most states have laws addressing speeding in terms of exceeding the speed limit and traveling too fast for normal roadway conditions.

For instance, Indiana law may allow drivers to travel at 45 mph on a particular section of highway, however, this posted limit can become void if there are external factors at play, such as poor weather, construction, etc.

In the event someone is involved in an accident and it is determined they should have been driving below the posted speed limit due to one or more of the above reasons, they may see that “Driving too fast for conditions,” was noted as the primary cause for their car accident.

Elsewhere, Indiana’s speed laws are pretty basic, meaning a driver can be ticketed or found at fault for an accident if they are traveling at any speed above the posted limits for a particular section of roadway.

Indiana’s speed limits will vary regularly depending on the surroundings and the Department of Transportation’s records related to certain roadways. Given the environment, you may see speed limits as low as 5 mph, e.g., alleys, school parking lots, etc. And if you are unaware of the speed limit on a particular section of road, always assume slower vs. faster.

The impact of speeding in Indiana can result in various penalties, such as fines and suspension of your driver’s license. In fact, depending how fast you are traveling, you can also be charged with reckless driving, meaning potential jail time.

Of course, anytime there is property damage or physical harm that results from a speeding driver, a variety of other charges may be involved, e.g., criminal vehicular manslaughter charges if the excessive speed caused the wrongful death of another driver.

Car Accident Injuries Caused by Speeding

While a low-speed accident can result in significant damage, many of the more serious injuries are a result of high-speed accidents, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ injuries
• Amputation
• Lacerations and cuts
• Broken bones

Matt has witnessed and helped Hoosier accident victims and their families with each of the conditions listed above.

Speed-Related Fatality Accident Statistic

The NHTSA says that approximately 27% of fatal motor accidents in 2015 resulted from speeding. This amounted to 9,557 fatalities in the United States, which was an increase of 3% from the previous year.

Also, statistics report that a number of speeding drivers were found to have been driving under the influence while operating their vehicles.

Behaviors Causing Speed Related Accidents and Fatalities

Indiana’s speed limits guide drivers on the exact, safe speed they should drive under normal conditions and in regular traffic. Some drivers believe traveling five or ten miles above the speed limit is safe, however, it is not. (Indiana State Troopers and IMPD will also attest to this fact in the form of a ticket!)

Likewise, going too slowly, e.g., traveling 20 mph in a 45 mph zone, can also cause car accidents, and while rarer, the results can be just as significant.

Speed-Related Car Accident Next Steps

Whether speed or another factor is the cause of your car accident, you should first move to a safe place and call 9-1-1, if there is a need. If possible, collect evidence like witness statements, photos/videos, or other essential information.

If you have questions about a speed-related Indiana accident, contact Boulton Law Group for an evaluation of your potential case.