Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: How Speeding Contributes to Fault
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in Rhode Island. With congested roads and varying traffic laws, it’s necessary to understand the causes of accidents and how specific factors like speeding contribute to fault.
Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Basso Law PC takes a compassionate approach to support and guide clients through their legal journey. Attorney Jessica Basso can help you understand how speeding affects liability and fight for a favorable outcome in your motor vehicle accident claim.
Speeding is a leading cause of car crashes, and it plays a significant role in determining who is at fault in a motor vehicle accident claim. Let’s explore the connection between speeding and fault, how it affects personal injury claims, and the benefits of working with Basso Law PC.
Speeding as a Contributing Factor in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Speeding is one of the most common reasons for accidents in Rhode Island, contributing to a large percentage of crashes. When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit, they reduce their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
Speeding also increases the severity of accidents by providing less time for the driver to stop or avoid a collision. It’s essential to recognize the role speeding plays in accidents to understand the potential consequences for those involved.
Speeding amplifies the force of impact in a collision, often resulting in more severe injuries. A vehicle traveling at higher speeds has greater kinetic energy, which significantly increases the force exerted on those involved compared to collisions at lower speeds.
In many cases, speeding can be a determining factor in whether an accident results in life-threatening injuries or property damage. Additionally, driving above the speed limit makes it difficult to stop in time when approaching red lights, stop signs, or pedestrians.
The legal consequences of speeding vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, speeding may automatically make the driver liable for damages in an accident. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may be seen as acting negligently, which could make them at fault in a motor vehicle accident claim.
Speeding plays a significant role in contributing to fault, but there are other factors involved in determining liability. Let's explore how speeding is used in motor vehicle accident claims.
How Speeding Affects Liability in Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
In Rhode Island, liability in motor vehicle accident claims is determined by the concept of fault. To establish fault, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
When speeding is a factor in an accident, it often leads to a clear determination of fault. However, the exact circumstances of the accident, including the driver’s behavior, road conditions, and other factors, must be considered when determining who is responsible.
If the speeding driver is found to have been driving recklessly or violating traffic laws at the time of the crash, they may be deemed negligent. Negligence in Rhode Island law refers to the failure to act in a way that a reasonable person would, given the circumstances.
Speeding typically falls under this category, especially if the driver was exceeding the speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed for the road conditions.
However, proving fault in motor vehicle accidents isn’t always straightforward. There may be other factors, such as distracted driving, road design issues, or weather conditions, that also contributed to the accident. Those involved in an accident need to understand how speeding interacts with other potential contributing factors to establish liability.
How Speeding Interacts With Comparative Negligence
Rhode Island follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that more than one party can be found at fault for an accident. In a case where speeding is a contributing factor, the court will assess the degree of fault assigned to each party.
For example, if the speeding driver was found to be 60% at fault and the other driver was 40% at fault, the damages would be split according to the percentage of fault assigned to each party.
This is where a motor vehicle accident attorney can help. They can assist in evaluating the totality of the circumstances, including the degree of negligence from all parties involved, to help the plaintiff receive a favorable outcome.
If you’ve been involved in an accident where speeding was a factor, working with a knowledgeable attorney will help protect your rights and make sure that the legal process is handled correctly.
How Speeding and Insurance Claims Impact Your Compensation
When making an insurance claim for a motor vehicle accident, the insurance company will assess the facts surrounding the accident to determine fault and coverage. Speeding can directly impact the compensation you receive from your insurance company. If the other driver was speeding and is deemed at fault, your insurer may be able to pursue them for damages.
In some cases, the insurer may try to settle quickly, offering a low payout to minimize their costs. A motor vehicle accident attorney can help protect your interests by making sure that the full extent of your damages is considered in the settlement. If you’re found partially at fault due to speeding, an attorney will work to make sure that the percentage of fault assigned to you makes logical sense.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the outcome of an insurance claim may vary depending on the details of the accident. If there are complications or disputes about fault, having an experienced attorney by your side can help the process move forward smoothly.
Steps to Take After an Accident Involving Speeding
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident where speeding was a factor, it’s important to take the following steps:
Call the police: Having a police report is crucial in establishing fault. The officer will investigate the accident, talk to all parties involved, and document whether speeding contributed to the crash. This report can serve as essential evidence if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit.
Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, may not appear right away but can worsen over time. Prompt treatment also helps create a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
Document the scene: Take clear, comprehensive photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any relevant road or weather conditions. Get the names, phone numbers, and statements from any witnesses, if possible. This evidence can help reconstruct what happened.
Contact a motor vehicle accident attorney: A personal injury attorney can assist in evaluating evidence, determining liability, and guiding you through your legal options. They can also manage communications with insurance companies to help you seek compensation.
Taking these steps can help make sure that your rights are protected and that you have the necessary documentation to support your claim.
Speak to a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident where speeding played a role, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. Proudly serving clients across Rhode Island, Basso Law PC is here to support you at every step of your motor vehicle accident claim. Call today to schedule a consultation.
