Fairfax, VA Speeding Accidents Attorney

Skilled Speeding Accident Attorneys Holding Reckless Drivers Accountable in Fairfax, Virginia

Drivers are required to follow numerous traffic laws, including obeying the speed limits. These limits are set based on the ways certain roads are designed, the regular traffic patterns, and the conditions that drivers can usually expect to encounter. They are meant to ensure that people can operate their vehicles safely, maintain control at all times, and slow down and stop when necessary. When drivers violate the speed limits, the risks of car accidents can increase.

Speed limit violations are one of the most common causes of car accidents in Fairfax and the surrounding areas. It can lead to dangerous crashes on highways, residential streets, and everything in between. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney can help people who have been injured by drivers who were speeding or committing other traffic violations. He approaches every case with honesty and genuine care for the people he represents. He will gather evidence to show that a driver's negligence was responsible for causing a collision, and he will work to recover financial compensation for an injury victim's damages.

Why Speeding Is So Dangerous

In addition to increasing the chances of a car crash, speeding can also make collisions more severe. The issues that can affect crashes involving speeding drivers include:

Increased Stopping Distance

The faster a vehicle travels, the more distance it will need to come to a complete stop. This can make a huge difference when driving. A person who is speeding may see a hazard ahead of them, such as a pedestrian or another vehicle that has made a sudden lane change, but even if they brake immediately, their vehicle may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Reduced Reaction Time

When driving at higher speeds, the amount of time a driver will have to see and respond to hazards will decrease. When speeding, a person may not have enough time to recognize danger, decide how to respond, and take actions like braking or swerving.

Loss of Vehicle Control

Drivers who speed will have less control over their vehicles. Sharp turns, sudden lane changes, and other emergency maneuvers will be far more difficult to perform safely when a vehicle is traveling at a high speed. For example, when a person is going too fast around a curve, they may be unable to stay within their lane, or they may lose traction and skid into another lane or off the road entirely.

Greater Force of Impact

When a crash does occur, the speed of a vehicle will determine how much force is involved. A collision where a vehicle is traveling 55 miles per hour involves much more destructive force than a crash that takes place at 25 miles per hour. Speeding-related crashes tend to cause more severe injuries and more extensive damage than accidents that take place at lower speeds.

Driving Too Fast for Conditions

People may assume that as long as they are traveling at or below the posted speed limit, they are driving at a safe speed. However, speed limits are meant to apply in ideal conditions, including situations with clear weather, dry pavement, good visibility, and light traffic. In other conditions, a person may be considered negligent if they drive at an unsafe speed, even when they are below the speed limit. Conditions where drivers may need to reduce their speed include:

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and affect the traction of vehicles. A driver who does not slow down when roads become wet or icy may be operating their vehicle at an unsafe speed even when going below the posted limit. In rainy or snowy weather, vehicles are more likely to lose traction and skid out of control when drivers travel at unsafe speeds. Visibility may also be low in foggy, rainy, or snowy weather, and drivers who do not slow down may be unable to see and respond to hazards in time to avoid collisions.

Road Conditions

Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, or other conditions in construction zones or other areas where roads are damaged may require drivers to reduce their speed. A driver who continues traveling at the same speed on a road that is unsafe may be responsible for causing an accident due to a loss of control.

Heavy Traffic

Congestion on the road will require drivers to ensure that there is enough distance between their vehicles and other cars and trucks. They will need to reduce their speed to ensure that they can drive safely around other vehicles and pedestrians. When a driver continues driving at the posted speed limit after traffic has slowed down and engages in other unsafe behaviors like weaving between lanes or tailgating, they may be responsible for causing an accident.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Speeding Accidents Lawyer

A speeding driver who has caused a collision may be held responsible for their negligence. Whether speeding results in a rear-end accident, a head-on collision, or another type of dangerous crash, the team at Shevlin Smith, P.C. can help ensure that a victim will be able to obtain financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. Our lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence to show that a driver was responsible, and advocate for the rights of an injury victim throughout the legal process. Contact our Fairfax speeding accident attorney at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.