The Impact Speed Has on Car Accidents and Injuries

Speeding is a prevalent and dangerous behavior on our roadways, which increases the risk of a car accidents and also contributes to injuries. As a driver, it is crucial to understand the impact of speeding to help prevent accidents and stay safe on the roads.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver, call The Barnes Firm. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys will be by your side every step of the way, from the initial call to the final settlement, and will help you get the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

How Speeding Drivers Cause Accidents and Injuries

Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time, which contributes to car accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at an excessive speed, the driver has less time to process information and make decisions. If an unexpected situation arises, such as a sudden change in traffic or a pedestrian crossing the road, the driver may not have enough time to brake or maneuver safely, resulting in a collision.

Speeding also increases the force of impact in a car accident. In the event of a collision, the speeding vehicle hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist with more force, causing more damage and increasing the chances of severe injuries or fatalities.

Furthermore, speeding reduces the effectiveness of safety features in a car. Modern vehicles are equipped with various safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones, which are designed to protect occupants during a crash. However, these safety features are only optimized for specific speeds. When a vehicle exceeds those speeds, these safety features may not be as effective in preventing injuries. For example, airbags may not deploy properly or seat belts may not hold occupants securely in place. This can result in more severe injuries, or even ejection, from the vehicle.

Why Do Drivers Speed?

There are several reasons why drivers choose to speed, despite the known risks and potential consequences. Some common reasons include:

• Impatience. Many drivers feel the need to exceed the speed limit to get to their destination faster. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as running late for work or an appointment, or simply wanting to save time.
• Lack of awareness. Some drivers may not be fully aware of the dangers of speeding or may underestimate the risks involved. They may not realize how much their reaction time is reduced or how much more severe the consequences of a collision can be when speeding.
• Peer pressure. In some cases, drivers may feel pressured to speed in order to keep up with the flow of traffic or to avoid being tailgated or honked at by other drivers. This can create a dangerous situation where multiple drivers are exceeding the speed limit.
• Thrill-seeking. There are individuals who enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from driving at high speeds. They may view speeding as a form of excitement or entertainment, without fully considering the potential dangers.
• Inattentiveness. Distractions such as using a cell phone, talking to passengers, or eating while driving can lead to unintentional speeding. When drivers are not fully focused on the road and their speedometer, they may exceed the speed limit.

Each of these listed reasons fall under what is known as driver negligence, or a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. When drivers choose to speed, they are acting negligently and putting themselves and others at risk.

How Speeding Drivers Cause Accidents and Injuries

Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time, which contributes to car accidents. When a vehicle is traveling at an excessive speed, the driver has less time to process information and make decisions. If an unexpected situation arises, such as a sudden change in traffic or a pedestrian crossing the road, the driver may not have enough time to brake or maneuver safely, resulting in a collision.

Speeding also increases the force of impact in a car accident. In the event of a collision, the speeding vehicle hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist with more force, causing more damage and increasing the chances of severe injuries or fatalities.

Furthermore, speeding reduces the effectiveness of safety features in a car. Modern vehicles are equipped with various safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones, which are designed to protect occupants during a crash. However, these safety features are only optimized for specific speeds. When a vehicle exceeds those speeds, these safety features may not be as effective in preventing injuries. For example, airbags may not deploy properly or seat belts may not hold occupants securely in place. This can result in more severe injuries, or even ejection, from the vehicle.

Why Do Drivers Speed?

There are several reasons why drivers choose to speed, despite the known risks and potential consequences. Some common reasons include:

• Impatience. Many drivers feel the need to exceed the speed limit to get to their destination faster. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as running late for work or an appointment, or simply wanting to save time.
• Lack of awareness. Some drivers may not be fully aware of the dangers of speeding or may underestimate the risks involved. They may not realize how much their reaction time is reduced or how much more severe the consequences of a collision can be when speeding.
• Peer pressure. In some cases, drivers may feel pressured to speed in order to keep up with the flow of traffic or to avoid being tailgated or honked at by other drivers. This can create a dangerous situation where multiple drivers are exceeding the speed limit.
• Thrill-seeking. There are individuals who enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from driving at high speeds. They may view speeding as a form of excitement or entertainment, without fully considering the potential dangers.
• Inattentiveness. Distractions such as using a cell phone, talking to passengers, or eating while driving can lead to unintentional speeding. When drivers are not fully focused on the road and their speedometer, they may exceed the speed limit.

Each of these listed reasons fall under what is known as driver negligence, or a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. When drivers choose to speed, they are acting negligently and putting themselves and others at risk.

Common Injuries From Speeding Accidents

Speeding accidents can result in various injuries that can be life-threatening or long-term. Our experienced attorneys have identified  common injuries that can be a result of speeding accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or fractured bones 
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussions
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Burns

Common Injuries From Speeding Accidents

Speeding accidents can result in various injuries that can be life-threatening or long-term. Our experienced attorneys have identified  common injuries that can be a result of speeding accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or fractured bones 
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussions
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Burns

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

“As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years