Speeding is a traffic offense that can have serious consequences. A vehicle that is traveling too fast cannot be properly controlled or maneuvered. If a speeding driver causes a car accident in San Antonio, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation from that driver. An experienced car accident attorney in San Antonio can help the victim make a fair financial recovery.
How Many Accidents in Texas Are Caused by Speeding?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 18,752 people were seriously injured and 4,283 were killed in traffic accidents in 2023. Speeding was a significant contributor to these accidents. Crash data shows 161,752 speed-involved motor vehicle accidents were reported in Texas in 2023. Bexar County had 8,127 speed-related crashes and 65 fatalities.
What Are the Dangers of Speeding?
Speeding poses various dangers to everyone on the road. When a vehicle is speeding, it increases the risk of accidents because it lengthens the amount of time it takes for the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop. It also reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly to sudden changes in road conditions, such as a pedestrian crossing the road.
When traveling at speeds that are above the posted limits or that are too fast for conditions, a driver may lose control of the car – especially in bad weather or around curves. Speeding also increases the severity of accidents that do occur. Higher vehicle speeds result in greater impact forces during collisions, which enhances the damage done to vehicle occupants.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Speeding Driver in San Antonio
If you are struck by a driver who you believe was speeding at the time of the accident, notify law enforcement immediately. It is important to inform the police so that they can come to the accident scene for an investigation and police report. If there is evidence that the driver was speeding, the police will make a note of this in the report. This can be used to support your accident claim.
Get medical attention for any injuries right away, either by calling for an ambulance or visiting the nearest hospital in San Antonio. While you are still at the scene of the crash, exchange information with the other driver. If there are eyewitnesses or vehicle passengers, write down their information, as well. Take photos of the accident and write down your police report number before you leave.
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Speeding
Texas is a fault state, which means that after a car accident occurs, injured victims can file claims against the at-fault party for compensation for their losses. To have a valid claim, the victim must prove that the other driver is at fault.
While evidence varies from case to case, support for a speeding claim may include:
- Admissions by the driver
- The police report
- Photographs and video footage
- Physical evidence at the scene
- The length and depth of skid marks
- Damage to both vehicles
- Electronic data recorders (on trucks)
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness testimony
- Accident reconstruction
The evidence must show that the accused party or defendant is more likely to be responsible for the auto accident due to speeding or another infraction than not. You may need an attorney’s assistance to prove your speeding accident claim.
If you wish to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer about a recent speeding accident in San Antonio, contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers.