Speeding Accident Lawyers in Springfield, Illinois
Legal help from our Springfield lawyers after you’re injured in a speeding-related accident
Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a speeding-related collision, you deserve experienced legal representation to help you seek justice and compensation. At Glisson Law, our team understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to advocating for your rights. Our Springfield, IL speeding accident lawyers work to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that you receive the support you need during this challenging time.
How many people are hurt in speeding accidents?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 295,604 crashes happened in Illinois in 2021. Of these crashes involving speed accounted for “31.9% of total crashes, 44.4% of fatal crashes and 36.9% of injury crashes.”
The IDOT further reports that total speed-related fatal crashes increased 37.9% in 2021 in comparison to the previous four-year average. Cook and Will Counties had the highest number of speed-related fatalities, with 291 and 49. In fact, of all the speed-related fatalities in 2021, over 35% of them occurred in Cook County. Sangamon County, where Springfield is located, had 1,328 speed-related crashes, causing nine fatalities, in 2021.
As for the entire country, the NHTSA reports that “Twenty-eight percent of fatal crashes, 13 percent of injury crashes, and 9 percent of property-damage-only crashes in 2021 were speeding-related traffic crashes.” Further, there were 12,300 fatalities in speeding-related crashes – 29% of total traffic fatalities for the year.
What types of injuries do speeding accidents cause?
Speeding accidents can lead to a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and in some cases, even fatal. Some common injuries resulting from speeding accidents include:
- Head injuries: The force of impact in a speeding collision can cause head injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects on cognitive function and overall health.
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe speeding accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis and loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
- Broken bones and fractures: The high velocity involved in speeding accidents can cause bones to break or fracture, including arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a high-speed collision can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening conditions.
- Psychological trauma: In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in speeding accidents may experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological disorders.
- Fatal injuries: Speeding accidents are more likely to result in fatalities due to the increased force of impact. Families may suffer the loss of a loved one due to speeding-related collisions.
It's important to seek medical attention immediately following a speeding accident, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, consulting with a Springfield car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
How long do I have to bring a speeding lawsuit in Springfield, IL?
The statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to speeding accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
How can I prove the at-fault driver was speeding?
Proving that an at-fault driver was speeding can be challenging but not impossible. Here are several steps our Springfield speeding accident lawyers take on your behalf:
- Witness statements: If there were witnesses to the accident, we gather their statements. Witnesses who observed the at-fault driver speeding can provide important testimony to support your claim.
- Police report: Obtain a copy of the police report. Police officers often note their observations regarding factors such as speed, road conditions, and weather in their reports. If the officer noted excessive speed as a factor in the accident, it can strengthen your case.
- Accident reconstruction: We can hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene, damage to the vehicles, and other evidence to estimate the speed of the vehicles involved at the time of the accident. These experts can provide valuable testimony in court.
- Skid marks and debris: Skid marks and debris at the scene of the accident can provide clues about the speed of the vehicles involved. These can be analyzed by accident reconstruction experts to estimate the speed of the vehicles.
- Traffic cameras or surveillance footage: Our attorneys will check if there were any traffic cameras or surveillance cameras in the area that might have captured the accident. This footage can be used as evidence to establish the speed of the at-fault driver.
- Black box data: Most modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs), commonly referred to as black boxes, which record various data points including speed, acceleration, and braking. If the at-fault driver's vehicle had a black box, this data could be retrieved and analyzed to determine the speed of the vehicle before the collision.
- Vehicle damage: The extent and pattern of damage to the vehicles involved can sometimes indicate the speed at which they were traveling. This evidence can be used to support your claim of speeding.
Proving that the at-fault driver was speeding requires gathering as much evidence as possible and presenting it effectively in court. Ensure you consult with one of our lawyers for guidance and assistance throughout the legal process.
What is the value of my Springfield speeding accident claim?
It can be challenging to determine the value of your claim without details, but here are some common factors that generally influence the value of your case:
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, therapy, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If the accident resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
It's essential to gather all relevant documentation, such as medical records, repair estimates, and eyewitness statements, to support your claim. This helps give our Springfield car accident attorneys more insight into the value of your case and allows us to come up with a more personalized number.
Dedicated Springfield, IL speeding accident lawyers
Were you or someone you love injured in an accident caused by speeding? The Springfield attorneys at Glisson Law are here to help. Our dedicated team of lawyers is ready to stand by your side, providing skilled legal guidance and aggressive representation. Whether you've been injured or lost a loved one due to someone else's reckless behavior, we're here to fight for you. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.