If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you know how quickly this type of event can change your life. In the moment it takes for two vehicles to collide, you may find yourself with damage to your personal property, painful injuries and an expensive post-accident process you are unsure how to navigate on your own. One of the most common reasons for motor vehicle accidents in Oklahoma is speeding.
Most drivers do travel over the speed limit at some point, but going too fast needlessly endangers everyone on the road. While you cannot reverse the damage caused by a speeding driver, there are steps that may allow you to pick up the pieces and move forward after a crash. The civil justice system provides you the opportunity to hold others accountable for their negligent and reckless actions through a claim for compensation.
Don’t overlook the dangers of speeding
Drivers may overlook the dangerous nature of speeding, especially if it is only a few miles per hour over the speed limit. While the risk associated with speeding increases the faster one is driving, it is always safest to drive the posted speed limit on that specific road. Driving too fast significantly increases the chance of a car accident, and it can lead to more serious damage and injuries in the event of a collision. Studies find that, for every 10 mph of increased speed, the chance of a fatal accident doubles.
Speeding makes it more difficult to safely navigate around curves and take corners while staying in the correct lane. A vehicle moving too quickly is more difficult to control, and a driver may not be able to react to a hazard in enough time to come to a complete stop if he or she is speeding. In a speed-related crash, the safety equipment in the vehicles may not be as effective.
The best course of action
If you believe the cause of your accident was speed, you have legal options available to you. It may be in your interests to seek an assessment of your individual case in order to understand the most prudent course of action for your unique situation. If you have grounds for a civil claim, you may be able to hold liable parties accountable for the losses and damages you experienced in your accident.