Personal Injury Law Blog

How Speeding Contributes to Fatal Accidents

Speeding continues to be one of the most dangerous choices a driver can make. Studies show that speeding is a factor in of all fatal accidents, contributing to a significant share of deadly crashes every year. Driving above the posted limit or too fast for the road and weather conditions drastically reduces a driver’s control and reaction time.

At Glotzer & Leib, we’ve seen how one careless moment can permanently change the lives of families in Burbank and across California.

How Often Does Speeding Cause Fatal Accidents?

Speeding continues to play a significant role in deadly crashes across the country. About one in three fatal car accidents, roughly 29% of all traffic deaths in 2023, were linked to speeding, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many tragedies happen because drivers push limits out of frustration, distraction, or simple carelessness. Even slowing down a little could prevent thousands of needless deaths every year.

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National and California Trends

In California, speed-related crashes claim thousands of lives every year. The California Safe Speeds Toolkit reports more than 3,600 deaths and 13,000 serious injuries each year, about 34% tied to speeding or aggressive driving. Even small speed increases sharply raise crash severity, showing that obeying limits is not just a rule but a moral duty that saves lives.

How Speeding Contributes to Fatalities in Car Crashes

Speeding makes every part of driving more dangerous. Three main physical factors help explain why crashes at high speeds are often fatal.

Increased Stopping Distance

When a vehicle is moving faster, it takes more distance to come to a complete stop. A few extra miles per hour can differentiate between a close call and a deadly collision. A driver may spot a hazard ahead, but by the time they react, the car has already traveled too far to stop safely.

Reduced Reaction Time

Higher speeds give drivers less time to process what’s happening around them. That split-second reduction in reaction time can prevent them from braking, steering, or avoiding an obstacle in time. On crowded streets or freeways, those seconds are critical.

Greater Force of Impact

The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the energy released in a crash. Doubling a car’s speed multiplies the impact force several times over, turning what might have been a minor fender-bender into a life-threatening collision.

Common Injuries Resulting From Speeding Crashes

Victims of speeding accidents often face catastrophic injuries that require long-term care. Some of the most common include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: Caused by violent jolts or impacts to the head, often resulting in lasting cognitive and emotional challenges.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden trauma to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, permanently changing a person’s mobility.
  • Severe Burns or Disfigurement: Fires and explosions after a crash can lead to devastating burns and scarring.
  • Amputations or Crushed Limbs: The immense pressure of an impact can trap or crush limbs beyond repair.
  • Internal Bleeding: Damage to internal organs can cause dangerous bleeding that is not immediately visible.
  • Complex Fractures: Multiple bone breaks can take months to heal, often requiring surgery and physical therapy.
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At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

Who Is Most Likely to Speed and Cause Fatal Accidents

Specific drivers are more prone to risky behavior on the road. Young men often believe they can handle more than they actually can, pushing limits until things go wrong. Others drive impaired, by alcohol, drugs, or exhaustion, losing awareness and control.

Then there are those who see driving as a game, treating public roads like a racetrack. One bad decision at high speed can change everything forever.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Speeding in Car Accident Cases

Speeding can bring lasting legal and financial trouble.

  • Criminal Penalties: A driver who causes a deadly crash may be charged with reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter.
  • Civil Liability: Victims or their families can file lawsuits seeking compensation for the harm caused.
  • Insurance Impact: Premiums can skyrocket, and policies may even be dropped after a serious speeding violation.

Beyond fines or legal action, a conviction can result in the loss of one’s license, reputation, and peace of mind for years to come.

What Compensation Is Available After a Fatal Speeding Accident

Families who lose someone in a speeding crash may seek compensation that reflects the real emotional and financial toll of their loss. Possible recovery includes:

  • Economic Damages: Covering funeral costs, medical bills, and loss of income.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Acknowledging grief, pain, and emotional suffering.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: Providing for the loss of companionship and care.
  • Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of extreme recklessness, such as street racing or excessive speeding.

No amount of money replaces a loved one, but holding the responsible driver accountable can bring families a sense of justice and help them rebuild after such a painful loss.

Consult a Burbank Car Accident Lawyer After a Speeding-Related Crash

Losing a loved one because another driver couldn’t slow down is heartbreaking. At Glotzer & Leib, we work closely with families throughout Burbank and nearby communities to hold careless drivers accountable.

Our attorneys focus on obtaining justice and the financial support clients need to move forward. We walk families through every legal process stage with compassion and persistence, ensuring they never feel alone. Contact us at 747-241-8288 today.

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Joshua W. Glotzer

Joshua W. Glotzer is a Super Lawyers-recognized personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Glotzer & Leib, LLP. With over 25 years of experience and multiple seven-figure recoveries, he handles complex cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, and elder abuse. Known for his personalized, results-driven approach, Glotzer ensures every client receives the skilled representation they deserve.

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