Every driver has seen the dangers of excessive speed, whether it’s a vehicle weaving through traffic on the freeway or failing to slow down at an intersection. For families left behind after a fatal crash, the consequences are permanent. National data raises the question: speeding was a factor in about what percentage of fatal crashes? The answer is striking, with almost one in three fatal crashes across the nation tied to excessive speed.
In Burbank and throughout California, these tragedies leave families facing overwhelming loss, unexpected financial burdens, and the difficult question of how to hold negligent drivers accountable. At Glotzer & Leib, we stand beside families during these moments, helping them pursue justice after high-speed collisions.
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Speeding was a factor in about what percentage of fatal crashes? The numbers reveal the scope of the danger. The most recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 11,775 people lost their lives in speeding-related crashes nationwide in 2023, representing nearly 29 percent of all roadway fatalities. For California, it reflects this same troubling pattern as the most recent data from the SafeTREC, at UC Berkeley, documented that 1,509 people were killed in speeding-related crashes within the state.
These figures represent far more than statistics, they reflect families suddenly confronted with loss, financial uncertainty, and the life-altering consequences of preventable high-speed collisions.
Excess speed doesn’t just raise the chance of an accident, it changes the outcome dramatically. Even a few extra miles per hour can be the difference between a manageable crash and one that takes a life.
When drivers exceed speed limits, they need significantly more space to bring their vehicles to a complete stop. This makes it harder to avoid rear-end collisions or sudden hazards in intersections and residential streets. A driver going faster than conditions allow may simply not have the time to prevent a deadly crash.
Each moment behind the wheel counts. As a car’s speed increases, a driver’s window to respond to a pedestrian, a cyclist, or sudden traffic conditions becomes much shorter. What could be avoided at 30 miles per hour may turn disastrous at 60.
The faster a car moves, the harder the collision will be. As speed increases, the energy released in a crash rises more than most people expect. Even with safety features like airbags or crumple zones, the vehicle cannot absorb all of the force. The outcome is often devastating, especially for people in smaller cars, on motorcycles, or walking nearby as pedestrians.
High-speed collisions often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and lifelong adjustments. Common outcomes often include:
Families dealing with these injuries not only face overwhelming medical expenses but also emotional and financial strain that can last for years, affecting every aspect of daily life and future planning.
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.
When a loved one dies in a speeding accident, families may have legal grounds to pursue compensation. Under California law, negligent drivers can be held responsible for the harm they cause. Damages in a wrongful death or serious injury case may include:
Establishing fault in a speeding accident often requires thorough evidence. Police crash reports, surveillance or traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and event data recorders (commonly known as “black boxes”) all play a role in proving that excessive speed caused or contributed to the collision. By working with a legal team familiar with these cases, families improve their ability to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the resources needed to move forward.
Families left behind after a fatal crash often want answers about why it happened and how to hold the responsible driver accountable. Courts and investigators consistently recognize that speeding was a factor in 29% of fatal crashes nationwide, making it one of the most common forms of negligence on California roads. At Glotzer & Leib, we stand beside families in Burbank and throughout California, providing guidance through the legal process and working to hold negligent drivers accountable when reckless speeding leads to a tragic loss.
If your loved one was killed in a speeding-related car accident, we encourage you to reach out. Call 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way, Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505, to schedule a case review and learn about the options available to your family.
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.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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