Being in a car accident is one of the most stressful things that can happen to anyone. Speeding car accidents can be particularly traumatic due to the high impacts and forces that are involved. Florida has one of the highest rates of car crashes in the United States, especially in metro areas such as Tampa Bay, and many of these collisions are due to speeding.
The aftermath of a speeding car accident can be confusing and difficult, and many people do not know what to do next. If you have been injured for any reason, the number one priority should be doing everything you can to get the medical treatment you need for a full recovery.
With today’s complex legal, insurance, and medical systems, working with an experienced and knowledgeable speeding car accident attorney can be a critical step. No matter who is considered to be at fault, having qualified legal representation on your side can help ensure that your rights are fully protected under the law and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for necessary medical care.
The following information can help you better understand the law for speeding in Florida, what the legal ramifications are, and how a car accident attorney can help your case.
What Florida Law Says About Speeding
Speed limits exist to keep us safe. Not only does speeding increase the risk of a car accident by decreasing reaction time, but it increases the damage and potential for injury. This is why speeding is such a commonly ticketed infraction under Florida law.
Unlawful speed is defined under Florida Statute 316.183 as driving at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent. Posted speed limits exist based on the maximum reasonable and prudent speed determined for that roadway. There are a number of situations where drivers may need to reduce their speed further below the maximum, including approaching intersections, railroad crossings, blind curves, hill crests, work zones, and school zones.
Driving over the maximum posted limit is grounds for a traffic stop and is punishable by a noncriminal moving violation, which can include fines and points on your license. Related charges, depending on the nature of the violation, can also include careless driving or reckless driving.
How Speeding Affects Penalties for a Car Accident
The fines, potential license loss, and even jail time for charges such as speeding, careless driving, or reckless driving always increase if they are related to an accident that causes personal or property damage. Speeding that causes a car accident can be considered negligent or reckless driving and can come with significant penalties. These penalties vary according to the circumstances of the accident, including intent, amount of injury, how fast the driver was going over the speed limit, cooperation with law enforcement, and other conditions such as weather and road conditions.
Penalties can include:
- The minimum fine for careless driving in Florida is $160, with a maximum fine of $500, in addition to any court costs assessed
- Reckless driving carries a fine of up to $500, but it can be charged as a felony with a fine of up to $5,000 and five years imprisonment if there is serious bodily injury
Additionally, a conviction for speeding in conjunction with an accident will also cause insurance rates to increase substantially. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, under comparative negligence your liability for lawsuits and the total amount of compensation you receive can be affected by your actions as a driver that contributed to the accident.
Why You Need a Speeding Car Accident Attorney in Florida
Whether you have been charged with speeding or you were in an accident where the other driver was speeding, an attorney can help. An experienced speeding car accident attorney knows the laws surrounding speeding as well as how to work with insurance companies and law enforcement.
By conducting a thorough investigation into the facts of the case, a lawyer can help ensure that all parties are being treated fairly according to the law and receive any and all compensation they are entitled to.
Reach Out to the Car Accident Attorney Experts in Florida
There are many factors that affect the outcome of a case, including the conditions of the road, insurance policies, conduct of law enforcement, and cooperation from the other motorist. If you or someone you love was involved in a speeding car accident, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation. We’ll consider all circumstances to determine your best next step.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.