Speeding

Speeding and other forms of aggressive driving are extremely common in Fort Lauderdale. However, the fact that most drivers speed from time to time doesn’t make the behavior any less dangerous. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding and aggressive driving were responsible for more than 25,000 accidents in 2021 alone. At the Blakeley Law Firm, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys have more than 20 years of combined experience helping injured drivers recover meaningful compensation for everything they’ve been put through.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling (800) 602-5000.

Speeding is so common that it’s become second nature to many motorists. In fact, a recent study found that nine out of ten drivers admit to speeding.

Not surprisingly, speeding is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Florida. For example, in 2021, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that there were 16,570 accidents that were caused by speeding or another type of aggressive driving. These accidents resulted in more than 540 deaths and almost 4,500 serious injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent report that nearly one out of every three car accidents is caused by speeding. That’s about 11,000 lives lost per year due to speeding. There are a few reasons why speeding is dangerous.

First, speeding increases the chances of getting into an accident because the faster a car is going, the longer it will take to stop. Compounding the dangers is the fact that drivers who are speeding give themselves less time to react to an upcoming hazard. Aggressive drivers also run the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially when the roads are wet.

Second, speeding increases the severity of an accident because the safety systems in cars, trucks and SUVs become less effective at preventing injury or death at higher speeds. Thus, by speeding, drivers both increase both the likelihood of an accident as well as the potential severity of the injuries.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident with another driver who was speeding, the first thing to do is report the accident and summon emergency responders. It is also imperative that you receive the appropriate medical care. Speeding accidents can cause severe injuries that may not initially seem serious. For example, neck and back injuries often don’t result in anything more than minor soreness right after an accident. However, a few days later, more serious—and potentially debilitating—symptoms can set in.

If possible, you should also gather as much information as you can before leaving the scene of the accident. For example, you can ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses and take pictures of the scene with your phone. You will also want to hold on to any paperwork you receive that is related to the accident, including medical records.

Third, you want to be careful when you talk to the insurance company about the accident. Even if the insurance company representative seems sympathetic, remember they work for the insurance company, which will use anything you say against you. So, while you should report the accident to your insurance company, stick with the facts and don’t admit to anything. Fault in a car accident is a legal determination, but if you voluntarily take responsibility for the accident, it can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.

Finally, when you are ready, reach out to a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney to discuss your case and learn more about your options.

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a motor vehicle accident, the Blakeley Law Firm is here to help. Attorney Jarrett Blakeley founded the Blakeley Law Firm to help his clients get their lives back on track after a serious accident. We can help you by investigating the accident, navigating the insurance claims process, negotiating a settlement award and, if necessary, litigating your case in court. As a courtesy to our clients, we also handle all property damage insurance claims at no cost because we understand the frustration of being left without a vehicle. To learn more, and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call (800) 602-5000. You can also reach us through our online contact form. We have offices conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Gardens, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville.