Speeding-related crashes are a major source of personal injury cases in California — and they often involve clear liability since speeding is a direct violation of traffic laws and a form of negligence. If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone speeding, here’s what you need to know to build a solid personal injury case:
🛣️ Speeding = Negligence Under California Law
Speeding violates California Vehicle Code § 22350, which says:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent…”
This means a driver can be considered negligent per se (automatically negligent) if they were exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions (rain, fog, traffic, etc.).
💥 How Speeding Causes Accidents
Common scenarios where speeding leads to crashes:
- Rear-ending slower vehicles
- Losing control and veering into oncoming lanes
- Failing to stop at intersections
- Overturning or skidding during curves
- Causing T-bone collisions by running red lights
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, which often results in more serious injuries.
⚖️ Building a Personal Injury Case
To succeed in a claim, you need to prove:
- The other driver was speeding and therefore negligent
- Their speeding caused the accident
- You suffered damages as a result
📁 Evidence That Can Help
- Police report showing speeding citation or witness accounts
- Surveillance or dashcam footage capturing the crash or speed
- Skid marks and crash damage showing excessive speed
- Black box data from the car (many modern vehicles record speed)
- Accident reconstruction expert analysis
- Witness statements
- 911 call recordings
💰 What Damages Can You Claim?
You can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income and earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the speeding was especially reckless (e.g., street racing or school zone violations), you may also pursue punitive damages.
👨⚖️ Do You Need a Lawyer?
It’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney if:
- Your injuries are serious or long-term
- The speeding driver is disputing fault
- The insurance company is offering a low settlement or denying the claim
- You want to pursue full compensation, including pain and suffering
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].