Speeding causes or worsens a great many traffic accidents in New Jersey and throughout the country. At Nagel Rice, LLP, our personal injury attorneys have been fighting to defend the rights of victims of speeding accidents for more than four decades. We are committed to this cause because we know all too well the devastating aftermath of such crashes. Over the years, our skilled attorneys have won over $1 billion in settlements for our deserving clients.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of a speeding driver, you have a pre-existing support system in our dedicated legal team. Contact us now for a free evaluation on your case. We will work tirelessly to recover the damages you need to heal and to secure the future for you and your family. We will charge you no attorneys’ fees until you receive a just outcome.
How Speeding Makes Accidents Worse
Speeding can transform minor incidents into life-altering tragedies by:
Increasing the force of impact, escalating vehicle damages and exacerbating injuries.
Reducing reaction time so the speeding driver has less time to respond to a damaged road surface, weather, sudden obstacles, animals, other cars, or pedestrians.
Compromising safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts.
Diminishing driver control of the vehicle, making it more difficult to navigate turns or swerve to avoid obstacles.
Requiring greater stopping distance, minimizing the driver’s ability to avoid collisions.
Speeding Laws and Penalties in New Jersey
New Jersey’s speeding laws vary depending on location. In school zones and residential and business districts, the speed limit is 25 mph (35 in suburban business and residential districts), and 55mph in all locations not designated 65 mph zones.
Though speeding violations in the state generally result in fines of $50 to $200 and may include up to 15 days in jail, fines are doubled for violations in which the speeder was driving at least 20 mph over the speed limit (10 mph if the limit was 65 mph). For speeding violations that occur on certain portions of Route 130, the fines are tripled. Speeding tickets will also result in points on the driver’s license, and, in instances of egregious recklessness or a buildup of points, speeding drivers may have their license suspended or revoked.
Common Speeding Accident Injuries
In spite of the punishments for speeding in New Jersey, accidents attributable to such recklessness are commonplace. According to the NHTSA, speeding contributes to 13 percent of accidents with serious injuries and 29 percent of accidents with fatalities. Catastrophic injuries that result from speeding accidents, include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord Injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage or loss
- Back and neck injuries
- Neuromuscular damage
- Loss of limb
- Burns
- Psychological trauma (PTSD)
- Wrongful Death
If you are overwhelmed by the extent of the injuries you suffered in an accident caused by a speeding motorist, now is the time to turn to the capable, caring car accident lawyers at Nagel Rice.
How Nagel Rice Holds Speeders Accountable
Our attorneys are well-prepared to take the necessary steps to win your case. As soon as become our client, we will begin:
- Investigating the accident site, vehicles involved, and surveillance videos
- Examining police reports and medical records
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Drafting all necessary legal documents
- Checking whether the defendant has a history of reckless driving
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts who can bolster your case
- Negotiating with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Litigating vigorously to recover maximum damages, if necessary
Comparative Fault in New Jersey
New Jersey follows the principle of modified comparative fault. According to this principle, even if you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages, though the amount you receive will be diminished by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, however, you will not be able to recover any damages at all.
Fortunately, our attorneys are not only experienced, but adept and persuasive. We know how to convince the court to award you maximum compensation even if you were partially at fault for the speeding accident.
Damages We Will Fight To Win
We will make sure to accurately valuate yourlosses, present and future, for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income and earning potential
- Property damage or loss
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Extended nursing care
- Permanent scarring or other disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the defendant’s behavior was especially heinous, we may be able to persuade the court to award you punitive damages as well. If you have tragically lost a loved one to wrongful death in a speeding accident, we will fight hard to bring you the resources you are entitled to for final medical costs, funeral and burial/cremation costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.
Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys Today
The traumatic effects of the speeding accident have no doubt left you overwhelmed. Now is the time to reach out to the capable, empathic attorneys at Nagel Rice. We have the comprehensive knowledge of New Jersey traffic law and the well-honed legal skills to provide you with a just outcome. Call us today for the compassionate representation you deserve.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients with claims throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York.