Traffic accidents in Clearwater, FL, can have many causes, from slick roads to poor visibility. However, many of those car accidents result from dangerous driving. Violating traffic laws can expose everyone on the road to an unreasonable risk of injury.
Speeding is a leading cause of traffic crashes, according to crash statistics. If you were hurt in a crash involving a speeding driver, you may be left with severe injuries and significant losses. Fortunately, a Clearwater speeding accident lawyer at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers can help. Contact us today at (813) 773-8254 for a free consultation.
How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Speeding Accident in Clearwater, FL
Our law firm represents accident victims against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. We have over 120 years of combined experience protecting the rights of the injured across Clearwater, FL, and fighting to recover fair compensation for their injury-related losses.
Our Clearwater car accident lawyers can:
- Determine whether you can seek compensation under Florida law
- Gather evidence, including the crash report and your doctor’s records
- Prepare an insurance claim and negotiate for a settlement
- Litigate your case if the insurer refuses to settle fairly
Speed-related crashes can result in permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a dedicated Clearwater personal injury attorney today.
How Speeding Causes Accidents in Clearwater
Florida’s traffic laws require drivers to drive at a reasonable and prudent speed. This not only means that drivers have to obey posted speed limits, but they may also need to proceed below the speed limit when facing adverse conditions, such as the following:
- Slick surfaces
- Poor visibility
- Heavy traffic
Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions can face the following risks:
- Losing control of their vehicle
- Diminishing the time and space to stop after spotting a hazardous condition
- Reducing the effectiveness of their seat belts and airbags
- Increasing the damage and injuries caused by any collision
Another problem with speeding is that it amplifies the risks posed by other dangerous behaviors. For example, a distracted driver traveling at 15 miles per hour in a school zone covers just under 45 feet while glancing at their phone for two seconds. However, that same driver covers over 72 feet during that same two-second distraction when they go 25 miles per hour.
That difference can be significant. The distracted driver could hit pedestrians, school buses, and slower vehicles simply by speeding through the school zone.
How Much Is My Speeding Accident Worth?
The value of a speeding accident claim depends on the specific facts of the crash and how seriously it affected your life. There is no standard settlement amount, and even similar accidents can result in very different outcomes.
Factors that may affect the value of your speeding accident claim include:
- The severity and extent of your injuries
- Whether you are expected to make a full recovery
- The length and cost of your medical treatment
- Whether you can return to work
- How the accident affects your daily activities and quality of life
- Whether you share any responsibility for the crash
- The strength of the evidence showing the other driver was speeding
- The amount of available insurance coverage
- Whether your injuries result in permanent limitations or disabilities
Evaluating these factors can provide a clearer picture of what your speeding accident claim may be worth and the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Speeding Accident?
If another driver caused your speeding accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the financial and personal losses you suffered. The damages available will depend on your injuries, expenses, and the circumstances of the crash.
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and other income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Other accident-related expenses
- Punitive damages, when permitted by law
The damages available in your case can include both economic and non-economic losses, as well as punitive damages in qualifying cases.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for a Speeding Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are 50% or less at fault, you may still recover compensation, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages.
Because fault can directly affect your compensation, determining each party’s responsibility is an important part of a speeding accident claim.
Contact Our Clearwater Speeding Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a speeding accident, you may be facing serious injuries and lost income as you recover. It’s vital to explore your options with a knowledgeable local attorney. Contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Clearwater speeding accident attorney.
