Reckless speeders are dangerous to everyone on the road and excessive speeds typically lead to higher fatality rates. Drive defensively and if you are injured by someone who was speeding, let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Facts
Speed-related automobile fatalities are staggeringly high in the United States. In 2015, Georgia saw a significant increase in the number of speed-related vehicle fatalities with nearly 270 deaths attributed to high speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided the following disturbing facts:
- Males under the age of 35 account for the majority of drivers involved in speed-related accidents.
- Over the past decade approx. 30% of all fatal accidents have been attributed to speeding.
- In 2014, 41 percent of all speeding drivers in fatal crashes were intoxicated, compared to 17 percent of non-speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes.
The NHTSA also found that in 2014, only a little over half of speeding vehicle drivers were restrained at the time of crash, compared to 78 percent of non-speeding vehicle drivers. This means that speeding drivers tend to present a further significant risk not only to others but to themselves by not wearing seatbelts.
There is an extremely dangerous combination that appears when drivers drink, speed and fail to wear their seatbelts. You should never drive in this manner and if you are injured by someone who is being reckless, seek medical help immediately — then contact us.
Georgia’s “Super Speeder” Law
In 2010, the state of Georgia passed what is known as the “super speeder law,” which is designed to combat reckless speeding. Under this law, a speeder will receive an additional $250.00 fee if convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on any two-lane road or where they are convicted of speeding at 85 mph and over anywhere in Georgia.
In passing the law Georgia looked to punish habitual speeders and to combat the number of speed-related fatalities. Failure to pay the assessed fee will result in an additional $50.00 fee and suspension of the offender’s driving privileges and license.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured By a Speeder?
If you have been injured by the reckless driving of a speeder, you should seek medical attention. If you do not need immediate medical attention, do not leave the scene of the accident until after the police have completed their investigation. A police report can be presented as evidence by your attorney at trial and during settlement negotiations.
You will also want to:
- Take pictures and video of the crash site.
- Get the other driver’s insurance information.
- Take notes of all the conditions, including the weather and the time of day.
- Note any issues with signs or the roads.
- Record the contact information of any witnesses.
The more details and information you can provide about the accident, the easier it will be for us to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Get an Attorney Involved?
Atlanta car accident attorneys play a critical role in helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve. We work to ensure that your rights are protected, evidence is properly managed and the responsible party is held accountable.
An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you manage the legal issues so you can manage your recovery. Dangerous drivers should be held accountable for the harms they cause — Ponton Law is here to help you.