Speeding ranks as a common moving violation committed by many drivers. Someone could routinely travel at high speeds on Florida roads and not receive a traffic citation. Such drivers might become comfortable with speeding, resulting in driving too fast frequently. Unfortunately, speeding is dangerous, and drivers who commit this moving violation may cause a fatal accident.
Speeding and fatal collisions
Statistics from 2020 reveals the dangers of speeding on American roads. In total, 11,258 people died in speeding-related fatalities, reflecting 29% of all fatal accident collisions for the year. Sometimes, weather conditions also factored into the crashes, as speeding on wet or icy roads increases the chances of collisions.
Other factors could contribute to accidents when a driver speeds. The driver might be intoxicated or engaging in distracting behaviors. Such behaviors might further build a negligence case against the driver.
Wrongful death and civil actions
Regardless of weather and road factors, speeding involves committing a moving violation. That means a driver who causes an accident when speeding could be liable for injuries inflicted in a crash. A wrongful death lawsuit may follow when someone dies due to a driver’s negligence. Such cases could result in significant judgments for surviving family members.
Not all Florida motor vehicle accidents involve a fatality, but victims could have claims to recover losses for their injuries and damaged property. Auto liability policies cover a driver’s negligence up to the stated limits. A civil suit might follow if the insurance company is not obliged to pay or the victim seeks damages beyond the policy limits.
Injuries caused by negligent drivers might be costly, leaving victims no choice but to sue to recover compensation. Some might have claims for punitive damages as well.