In 2022, there were 120,200 trucks involved in injury crashes in the United States. Many of these collisions resulted in catastrophic injury.
In this same year, there were 5,936 people killed in accidents involving large trucks, with 18.5% of those killed being truck drivers. The remaining 81.5% were occupants of passenger vehicles or pedestrians.
Speeding as a factor in catastrophic truck accidents
Speeding is a factor in many catastrophic truck accidents. Seven percent of large truck operators involved in fatal crashes were speeding, while 15% of light truck operators involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
Note: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies a crash as speeding-related if a driver is cited for speeding or if the collision report indicates driving too fast for conditions, racing, or speeding as a contributing factor.
North Carolina speed-related crashes
North Carolina traffic safety officials report that 23.9% of traffic fatalities in the state are speeding-related. There were 427 fatal crashes in North Carolina in 2021, making 102 fatalities in the state related to speed in the year.
How Speeding Increases the Risk of Catastrophic Truck Accidents
There are several reasons why speeding increases the risk of catastrophic truck accidents.
Loss of control
At faster speeds, a vehicle is harder to control. Speed may be an underlying factor in a catastrophic truck accident when it causes the driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Delayed reaction
The faster a person travels, the longer it takes to perceive information around them. The brain cannot process information and react until it receives the information. There are more things going past them at higher speeds, so a driver may not notice obstructions, vehicles, or pedestrians.
Increased stopping distance
The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it takes the vehicle to stop. With a longer stopping distance, a driver is less likely to respond effectively when there is something in the road ahead of them.
More severe crash
An accident is more likely to be catastrophic when it occurs at higher speeds. Because of the heavy weight of a truck, the severity of a high-speed crash is amplified. The result may be catastrophic injury.
Safety mechanisms are less effective
Today’s motor vehicles have safety mechanisms. Seatbelts and airbags are two examples.
Some vehicles have technology like pre-collision assist systems to slow a vehicle. These systems may not perform as effectively when a driver is speeding.
Common Injuries Resulting From Speed-Related Truck Accidents
- Traumatic brain injury, concussion, loss of consciousness
- Spinal cord damage, paralysis
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Loss of mobility
- Internal organ damage
- Respiratory problems
- Bruises, contusions
- Whiplash, soft tissue damage
- Mental health injury
- Wrongful death
The Legal Implications of Speeding in Truck Accidents
Speeding is almost always negligence. Drivers must not only comply with posted speed limits, but they must also drive at an appropriate speed for the traffic conditions around them. If a driver is speeding, they may be at fault for an accident.
The legal implications of speeding in a truck accident depend on the law that applies where the crash occurred. Usually, speeding is a legal fault. If there are other factors that contributed to the crash, comparative negligence may apply. Comparative negligence laws vary by state. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys can evaluate your situation to determine the legal implications of a speeding truck driver and your right to compensation.
Proving Negligence in a Speed-Related Truck Accident
A victim claiming catastrophic injury compensation must prove negligence in a speeding-related truck accident. They may rely on accident reconstruction and an investigation by law enforcement officers who respond to the crash.
There may be tire marks and debris that show evidence of speeding. Eyewitnesses and cameras may provide valuable observations. In addition, vehicles may have black box data recorders that can provide information.
The Role of Black Box Data in Speeding Accident Cases
A black box may provide data in a speeding accident case. A black box may record speed, steering, and brake use. Different vehicles have different recording methods, so you’ll need to check what data is stored for each vehicle involved. You may need to ask the court to allow a vehicle inspection and demand that the vehicle owner preserve the information until it can be gathered for the case.
Seeking Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Speeding
When a catastrophic injury is caused by a speeding-related truck accident, a victim may receive financial compensation. Trucking companies are required to maintain insurance policies to pay claims. A legal claim is the process of receiving compensation, and you may have representation from an attorney to guide you through the process.
Preventive Measures To Reduce Speeding-Related Truck Accidents
Trucking companies must take measures to reduce speeding-related accidents. Preventative measures may include:
- Educating drivers on the importance of following speed limits.
- Introducing technology to help drivers be mindful of posted limits.
- Incentivizing drivers to operate safely rather than rushing to complete more trips.
- Taking responsive measures when drivers are ticketed or reported for speed.
- Promoting a culture of safety through awareness posters and bulletins.
- Monitoring drivers for safe speeds using technology and auditing.
- Providing weather information so that drivers can make needed changes.
There are many reasons why truck drivers speed. They may be unhappy with traffic conditions and want to finish their route. A driver may have a lack of awareness, or they may simply become complacent after driving for a long period of time. They may be paid by distance covered and willing to compromise safety to improve their pay. Whatever the reason, truck accidents caused by speeding can cause catastrophic injury.
These preventative measures are part of the trucking company’s legal duties. When we represent a client, our attorneys investigate what failures occurred and how they may form the basis for compensation.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury? At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we handle claims for catastrophic truck accidents caused by speeding. You may deserve compensation, and we can help.
Contact us now to talk about your case.
