All Marietta drivers must obey the posted speed limits. These limits control the flow of traffic to keep everyone safe. When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, they are putting others at risk. Talk to a Marietta car accident lawyer today if a speeding driver hit you.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to handle speeding car accident cases. For over 20 years, we’ve helped injured drivers win compensation. We do not charge you unless we win, so there is no risk for you.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and how we can help. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
Speeding Is Deadly in Marietta
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 26% of traffic deaths in 2017. Speeding has also been involved in about a third of auto deaths for over 20 years.
Speeding is a preventable action. Yet, many drivers still choose to go above the posted speed limits. Some motorists might not even realize they’re speeding until it’s too late.
Speeding can lead to:
- Loss of vehicle control
- Fatal injuries that would be less severe at lower speeds
- Less reaction time to avoid an accident
- Multiple-vehicle collisions.
Get the strong arm
Your Legal Options After a Speeding Accident
Posted speed limits exist for a reason. Driving within each speed limit is part of being a responsible driver. If a driver chooses to speed, we call that negligence. Negligence is a legal term for carelessness, and it’s critical in a car accident claim.
All drivers must act in a way that doesn’t harm others. Since we know speeding is dangerous, a speeding driver has failed in their legal duty. If a speeding driver causes an accident, they might be responsible for the costs.
You have a right to compensation for an accident you did not cause. You can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. To learn more about your options for free, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Reasons People Exceed the Posted Speed Limit
Someone might speed reasons like:
- They are running late.
- Traffic is slow.
- The driver is feeling aggressive.
- They are drinking or driving while distracted.
- They feel superior to other drivers.
- They have road rage.
Some speeding is not related to the road at all. Stressful live factors could lead a driver to speed aggressively. No matter the reason, though, the driver is responsible.
The other driver chose negligence, and it led to your injuries. You might be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
If you lost a loved one because of a speeding accident, you might have a wrongful death case. Talk to your car accident lawyer about this possibility. Individual family members can file a wrongful death claim for a deceased loved one.
Types of Speeding Laws in Georgia
There are two main types of speed laws in Georgia: absolute speed limits and basic speeding laws.
Exceeding the posted speed limit is about absolute speeds. Georgia Code Section 40-6-181 covers Georgia’s maximum speed limits:
- 20 miles per hour (mph) in school zones
- 30 mph in urban and residential districts
- 35 mph on unpaved country roads
- 65 mph on divided highways
- 70 mph on interstate highways
- 55 mph on other roadways
If someone exceeds a posted speed limit, it’s against the law. There is typically no excuse.
Georgia also has a fundamental speeding law. Drivers should not exceed a speed that is reasonable for the current conditions. For example, someone might need to drive below the speed limit during dangerous weather or road conditions.
A driver who speeds based on current conditions can also be at fault. Talk to your car accident lawyer to determine how the other driver was at fault for your crash.
Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit Penalties
Most of the time, speeding is a misdemeanor in Georgia. Someone can face:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 12 months in jail
Although there are exceptions, most speeding-related violations don’t involve jail time. However, a speeding driver will face more severe penalties if they cause injuries or deaths.
What to Do After a Speeding Accident in Marietta
The law is on your side if the at-fault driver in your accident was speeding. However, the burden is also on you to seek compensation for your costs. You will need to prepare an injury claim for the insurance company.
Here are some ways you can start gathering evidence for your claim.
Report the Accident to the Police
Georgia law requires you to report any crash with injuries, death, or at least $500 in property damage. Call 911 to report your accident to the police. Tell them that the other driver was speeding when they hit you.
Officers should create an accident report. This report will act as the first piece of evidence of the collision.
Get Medical Help
If you have severe injuries, tell the police you need help. Don’t wait to get the treatment you need. Injuries can quickly worsen or become life-threatening.
If you’re okay to stay at the scene, be sure to see a doctor soon after. If you wait too long, the insurance company can use it against you. Have a doctor check you for injuries even if you feel alright.
Take Photos
Preserve the accident scene by taking pictures with your phone. Photograph your injuries, vehicle damage, and the entire scene. Picture evidence will help your claim.
Talk to Witnesses
Did anyone else see your accident happen? The chances are good that there were witnesses.
Talk to any witnesses, and ask for their contact information. Your lawyer will want to get a statement from them to support your case.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will:
- Help you gather all of the most crucial evidence
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiate with the insurer if they offer a lowball settlement
- Make sure your injury claim is as secure as possible
- Be your most prominent advocate throughout the process
Get a Free Consultation with a Marietta Car Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we can handle the legal side of things after your accident. While you focus on healing, we’ll work to build you a substantial insurance claim. We do not charge a fee unless we win, so there are no upfront costs.
Contact us today to get matched with the best lawyer for your needs. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
