Every year, thousands of New Jersey drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are injured or killed in car accidents where excessive speed was a major factor. Most of us do not think twice about speeding a little when we are in a hurry to get somewhere, but driving even just a few miles per hour over the legal limit dramatically increases the risk of a serious crash, and the severity of injuries when one occurs.
Why Is Speeding So Dangerous?
Speeding is more than just breaking a traffic law; it changes the physics of a crash. The faster a vehicle travels:
- The longer it takes to stop, reducing reaction time to avoid hazards.
- The greater the force of impact, which increases the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries in a collision.
- Your control of the vehicle decreases, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic.
In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that speeding was a factor in a significant portion of fatal traffic accidents nationally, and in New Jersey speeding contributes to many traumatic crashes on highways and local roads alike.
Common Types of Injuries in Speeding Crashes
When a high-speed collision occurs, the human body is subjected to extreme forces that can lead to devastating injuries. Crash injury research shows that these are among the injuries seen most often in speeding car accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): High-speed impacts can cause the brain to violently collide with the inside of the skull. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment and long-term disability. Symptoms are not always immediate, which is why prompt medical evaluation is crucial after a crash.
- Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden forward and backward motion of a crash often leads to whiplash, herniated discs, and even spinal cord trauma that can result in partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones and Limb Injuries: High speeds multiply the force of a collision, making fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis common. In serious cases, catastrophic limb injuries or amputations may occur.
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage: The blunt force of impact can injure internal organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because it may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without rapid medical care.
- Soft Tissue and Psychological Trauma: Beyond the more visible injuries, victims often suffer soft tissue damage, lacerations, burns from fires, and psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following a traumatic crash.
Statistics fluctuate year to year, but the fact remains that excessive speed, especially when combined with other risky behaviors like distracted driving or driving under the influence, greatly increases the risk of catastrophic harm. Every year, major roadways including the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike see a significant number of fatal accidents where speeding was a leading contributor.
Can I Get Compensation for Injuries from a Speeding Accident?
In New Jersey’s personal injury system, a driver who speeds and causes a collision can be held liable for your losses. This includes compensation for:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and emotional distress
- Property damage
An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, help prove the other driver’s negligence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Linwood Car Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Fight for Compensation for Accident Victims
If you’ve been hurt in a speeding-related crash, you deserve justice and recovery, both medically and legally. Reach out to the trusted Linwood car accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm to discuss your case and your options. Call us at 609-926-3300 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.