You may not realize that speeding is a significant danger on the roads of Wisconsin. In 2019, 21,813 collisions caused by speeding drivers resulted in more than 8,000 injuries and 163 deaths in the state.
Understanding your legal rights is essential if you sustain an injury in a wreck involving excess speed.
Why is speeding so dangerous?
Traveling over the speed limit when driving is hazardous for everyone on the road. This often habitual driving behavior results in:
- Increased stopping distance
- Inability to safely navigate curves or obstacles
- Reduced effectiveness of a vehicle’s airbags and seat belts
- Increased risk of severe injuries or death
Was speed a factor in your crash?
Passenger automobiles cannot adequately protect occupants from the force of high-speed impacts. When speed is a factor, people are likely to suffer significant injuries. Tell the police officer on the scene everything you remember about the events surrounding your wreck. Did you notice the driver traveling too fast? Were they weaving in and out of traffic or driving too close behind other cars? Write down all relevant details.
How can you prove a speeding driver is at fault?
A thorough investigation into your crash helps you get the compensation you deserve. Legal professionals can gather evidence by:
- Speaking to witnesses of the incident
- Taking photos of the collision scene, including damage to or skid marks on the roadway
- Having an expert examine the damage to your vehicle
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Analyzing information from an onboard event data recorder
- Reviewing speed enforcement or surveillance video footage
Drivers have complete control over the speed they travel. Speeding is a negligent act, and you have a right to seek compensation for any damages that result from a high-speed crash.
