Over the past 20 years, speeding has contributed to almost one-third of all fatal car accidents. Speeding contributed to 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2020. According to national data, 65 speeding fines are issued in the United States every minute. The posted speed limit is generally disregarded across the country.
Not only is speeding one of the most common traffic violations, but it is also one of the riskiest. Speeding is a serious infraction that endangers life. For state and local governments to create and implement a well-balanced and successful speed management program, NHTSA has collaborated with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration to provide a road map, tools, guidance, and resources.
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Car Accidents Caused by Speeding
To ensure your safety, this article outlines the common injuries involved in accidents caused by speeding.
Causes of Speeding
There are several distinct reasons why drivers speed. While law enforcement tries to reduce the number of speeders by enforcing the law, drivers need to be aware of the enormous effects that speeding has on accidents.
The most frequent reasons for speeding include the following:
- Traffic Congestion
- Disregard for safety
- Running late
- Disregard traffic rules
Common Injuries
Drivers in automobile accidents can sustain minor to fatal injuries. Some of the common injuries are:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Closed head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and irreversible brain damage are possible in more serious accidents. TBI happens when the brain is harmed by a blow or piercing injury to the head, which is most frequently caused by automobile accidents.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Since the human spine is not built to withstand significant impact, the back is particularly vulnerable to harm in car accidents. Spinal cord injuries can result from the impact of a crash on the body. Spinal cord injuries can damage and cause partial or complete paralysis.
3. Internal Bleeding
One type of auto accident injury that requires surgery is an internal injury. Internal organ damage may happen when a crash pushes the body into something or when flying debris hits the body. Emergency medical care is needed if internal bleeding results from this damage.
4. Lacerations and bruises
Lacerations may result from flying items, shattered glass, or ripped sheet metal. Accidents due to speeding can lead to the collision of the body with other items resulting in bruises. Abrasion from friction from vehicles can also cause road rash.
5. Fractures
In car collisions, broken legs, ribs, arms, ankles, and wrists are frequent injuries. Several auto accident victims experience pelvic fractures. The severity can range from minor fractures that only need a cast to significant fractures or complicated fractures that may need surgery.
6. Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage is the most frequent injury that occurs to victims of both minor and serious accidents. Soft tissue injuries, often known as sprains, strains, bruises, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are particularly prevalent in car accidents. Injury of this nature is long-lasting and excruciatingly painful.
7. Chest Injuries
Car accident injuries to the chest require surgery more frequently than other injuries. The severity of this auto accident injury might range from slight to severe. Due to the restricted distance between the driver’s chest and the steering wheel, the danger of chest injuries is greater. Seatbelts can also cause chest injuries.
Legal Assistance
If you were hurt, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm these typical auto accident injuries caused. Hiring an auto accident lawyer can help you get the highest possible monetary award to cover your damages, both monetary and non-monetary. A legal team will carefully review all the information and evidence related to your case, work with investigators to determine the other party’s guilt, and collaborate with medical experts to document the severity of the harm.
Final Thoughts
Not all injuries from auto accidents are physical. An automobile accident could lead you to sustain mental and emotional harm. After a car accident, you can be entitled to compensation for your treatment for mental and emotional suffering. Speaking with an experienced vehicle accident lawyer is crucial if you have sustained serious injuries in an accident that was someone else’s fault.