Study Shows Higher U.S. Speed Limits Resulted In 12,500 Deaths

Most drivers are excited when they find that speed limits will be raised in their region. This allows them to drive faster, which saves them time, without concerns of violating the law.

However, one study shows that higher speed limits aren’t always a good thing. 

According to an American Journal of Public Health study, higher U.S. state speed limits have resulted in approximately 12,500 additional deaths on roadways between 1995 and 2005. 

Here are some of the most important takeaways from the study:

• The study examined traffic fatality data in every state, with the exception of Hawaii and Massachusetts, over the 10 year period following a federal law that resulted in higher speed limits across U.S. states.
• In 1995, Congress passed the National Highway Designation Act giving U.S. states the power to decide the speed limit laws in their region.
• State officials promptly decided to increase their area’s speed limits which resulted in a 3.2% increase in road fatalities. Urban interstates saw car crash deaths rise by 4%,  and rural interstates at 9.1%
• In addition to the 12,545 deaths resulting from increased U.S. state speed limits, there were also 36,583 more injuries in fatal accidents.

Moving from this bird-eye’s view, how do increased speed limits affect road safety in a state like Florida? 

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 23, 247 car crashes in Orange County alone in 2020. In these accidents, there were 168 fatalities and 18, 297 injuries. Specifically, statistics show that speeding and aggressive driving is a major factor in the state’s car accidents. 

Unsurprisingly, high-speed accidents can yield life-threatening injuries for victims. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a speeding driver, our Orlando car accident lawyers can help you prove fault and seek maximum compensation for your losses.

How to prove fault and obtain compensation in a Florida speed-related car accident

Even if you’re driving the speed limit and obeying all the rules of the road, it doesn’t mean other drivers are doing the same.

If you’re injured in a speed-related car crash, here’s what you need to do:

• Move to a safe location: If you’re on the highway, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the shoulder of the road used for emergencies like accidents.
• Call the police: You should always call the police after an accident, but especially in a speed-related crash as the responding officer may give the other party a traffic citation for speeding, which can help you prove fault in an accident claim. 
• Gather evidence: This takes on many forms, such as photos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle, surveillance video from the area, and witness statements. The more evidence you gather, the better your car accident attorney will be able to calculate the full value of compensation you may be eligible to receive for your damages.
• Receive immediate medical attention: Don’t attempt to treat your injuries at home or wait for them to get better alone. External and internal injuries suffered in a high-speed accident can be life-threatening. And remember, some injuries don’t present symptoms right away, especially if you’re high on adrenaline after an intense speed-related crash. Your injuries can remain dormant for several hours, as is often the case with a concussion or a traumatic brain injury. Get evaluated by a qualified medical professional immediately and keep all records and bills to prove your damages in an accident claim.
• Consult with an experienced car accident attorney near you: As your health allows, consult with a knowledgeable Orlando car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options in a Florida speeding accident, and how to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

For more information on steps to take after a car crash in Florida, check out our ‘5 Dos and Don’ts to Follow After a Car Accident.’

During your consultation, your attorney will consider the benefits of hiring an accident reconstruction expert to accurately investigate fault in your speeding accident.

This expert will look at physical evidence such as the type and degree of damage to your vehicle. For example, some parts of a vehicle may not break or bend in a specific way unless there’s a particular amount of force applied to the vehicle. This can help accurately estimate the minimum speed that of the vehicles at the time of the accident. 

Other evidence that can help prove fault in a speeding accident includes the presence of tire skid marks, along with road conditions and other hazards (such as faulty brakes) that may have contributed to the crash.

Act quickly and contact our Orlando car accident lawyers to pursue max compensation

At Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A., our Orlando car accident lawyers have more than 35 years of combined legal experience and will fight aggressively to pursue full compensation for losses suffered in a speed-related car accident.

We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of the crash, hiring all the necessary experts and collecting the right evidence to strengthen your claim. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Firm Dedicated To You.