Illinois Injury Attorneys for Car Accidents Caused by Speeding

Excessive Vehicle Speed Causes Serious Injuries and Fatalities in Illinois

Excessive vehicle speed is a major factor in many serious accidents across Illinois. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also raises the severity of injuries and damages when a crash occurs. At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent victims who have suffered due to speeding drivers and help them pursue compensation for their injuries. With a significant portion of traffic fatalities involving speeding, it’s crucial to understand the dangers of excessive speed and the legal recourse available to those affected by these dangerous driving behaviors.

The Dangers of Speeding in Illinois

Speed limits are designed to keep roadways safe and manageable. When drivers exceed these limits, they reduce their ability to control their vehicle, increase their stopping distance, and make it more difficult to react to hazards on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the United States, with Illinois being no exception. Source: NHTSA.

In Illinois, speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with higher pedestrian traffic, intersections, and roadways with sharp curves or narrow lanes. Drivers who exceed the speed limit, especially in residential or urban areas, endanger not only themselves but also other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Why Speeding Leads to Serious Accidents

Excessive speed contributes to the severity of accidents in several ways:

• Reduced Reaction Time: At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to obstacles, sudden changes in traffic, or pedestrians crossing the road. This is especially dangerous in high-traffic areas or near intersections where unexpected movements are common.
• Longer Stopping Distance: Speeding significantly increases the distance needed to bring a vehicle to a full stop. A driver traveling at 55 miles-per-hour needs about 200 feet to stop, but at 75 miles-per-hour, that distance nearly doubles. This makes it more difficult to avoid collisions, especially in emergencies.
• Greater Impact Force: The faster a vehicle is moving, the more force it generates in a crash. This results in more severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident.
• Loss of Vehicle Control: High speeds make it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, especially in adverse weather conditions or when navigating curves or sharp turns.

Legal Consequences of Speeding in Illinois

Speeding is considered a form of negligence under Illinois law. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and obey speed limits. When a driver exceeds the speed limit and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. This includes paying compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Victims of speeding accidents often face extensive medical costs for treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may recover compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the emotional distress and physical pain caused by the accident.
• Punitive Damages: Compensation for punitive damages may be awarded if the speeding was so excessive that it falls under reckless driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503).

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience holding speeding drivers accountable and securing compensation for victims. If you have been injured in a speeding-related accident, we can help you navigate the legal process and recover the damages you are entitled to.

Speed-Related Fatalities in Illinois

In Illinois, speed-related fatalities are a major concern. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), thousands of crashes occur annually due to excessive speed, with many resulting in serious injuries or deaths. Speeding is particularly dangerous on highways such as I-88 and I-55, where higher speeds combined with traffic congestion and narrow lanes can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Case Example: The Impact of Excessive Speed

Imagine a driver traveling 20 miles-per-hour over the speed limit in a residential area. The driver’s reduced reaction time makes it difficult to stop in time when a child suddenly crosses the street. The vehicle, unable to brake in time, strikes the pedestrian, resulting in severe injuries. This tragic example demonstrates the devastating consequences of speeding, particularly in areas with pedestrian traffic.

Understanding Illinois Speed Limits and Penalties

In Illinois, speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location. For instance:

• Highways: The speed limit is typically 65 or 70 miles-per-hour.
• Urban Areas: The speed limit is generally 30 miles-per-hour, with some areas enforcing lower limits, particularly near schools.
• Residential Areas: Speed limits are usually around 25 miles-per-hour to ensure the safety of pedestrians and children.

Exceeding the posted speed limit can lead to serious legal consequences. Speeding drivers may face fines, and, in cases of severe accidents, criminal charges, such as reckless driving. Illinois law enforcement agencies have increased efforts to curb speeding through the use of speed cameras, radar, and public awareness campaigns.

Seeking Legal Help for Speeding-Related Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a speeding driver, it’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to holding speeding drivers accountable and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of speed-related accident cases and can help you navigate the legal process to achieve a favorable outcome.

“Speeding remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviors, often leading to life-altering consequences. Our firm is dedicated to securing justice for those harmed by negligent drivers who fail to follow speed limits and cause serious accidents.” – John J. Malm

Contact the DuPage County Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you have been involved in a speeding-related car accident, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our experienced Illinois personal injury attorneys in Naperville and St. Charles are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.