Speeding is a dangerous activity that can put many cars in the path of the speeding driver in jeopardy. A speeding driver can quickly and easily lose control of their car and collide with one or more vehicles on the road.
If you, a passenger in your vehicle, or a member of your family were injured by a driver in Birmingham who was exceeding the speed limit, you may be able to hold them financially responsible for the costs associated with the accident.
Let a Birmingham exceeding posted speed limits accident attorney help you get the compensation you may deserve from the driver who caused the collision. Your medical bills, property damage, and lost income might be eligible for financial compensation by the at-fault driver and his insurer.
Ignoring Speed Limits Costs Lives
Car accidents account for more than 50% of accidental deaths in Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Consistent use of seatbelts on every car trip, securing children in appropriately-sized child safety seats, and avoiding drug and alcohol use while driving might greatly reduce the number of collision-related fatalities.
Some of the compensation you may be entitled to after a car collision with a speeding driver may cover:
- Medical bills, including future treatments and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and compensation for reduced earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
- Property damage
Speeding is the sixth leading cause of car accident fatalities. If you or a family member were the injured victim of a speeding driver, you may have the basis of an insurance claim or lawsuit for financial compensation.
Know the Posted Speed Limits in Birmingham
The Alabama Speed Management Manual cites the importance and necessity of posted speed limits. It establishes its purpose as: “Speed zoning aids in balancing the two primary objectives of transportation systems – mobility and safety.”
Speed limits are established to reduce the possibility of speed-related accidents and are posted to allow drivers to self-police when behind the wheel. In Birmingham, established and posted speed limits (in miles per hour) are:
- Interstates (70)
- Four-lane roads (65)
- Other roads (55)
- Paved county roads (45)
- Un-paved county roads (35)
- Residential areas (25)
- School zones (15)
If you were involved in a car accident because another driver was exceeding the posted speed limit, contact a Birmingham car accident lawyer to discuss your financial recovery options right away.
Alcohol and Speeding Are Closely Related
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration cites a distinct correlation between drivers who drink and drive and speed-related accidents across the country. More than 40% of the drivers who exceeded posted speed limits also had blood alcohol levels that exceeded the legal limit.
Vehicle occupants are not the only injury and fatality victims in speed-related accidents. Pedestrians are also at risk of injury and death due to drivers who speed:
- In accidents where drivers exceeded the speed limits by up to 23 mph, pedestrian risk of being struck rose by 10%.
- In accidents where drivers exceeded the speed limits by up to 42 mph, the pedestrian risk of being struck rose by 50%.
- In accidents where drivers exceeded the speed limits by up to 58 mph, pedestrian risk of being struck rose by 90%.
Drivers are also more likely to ignore posted speed limits on streets and roads than on highways and interstates. Only 13% of speed-related accidents happen on interstates. If you or a family member were injured by a driver who was speeding on a major road or busy interstate, contact a local Birmingham exceeding posted speed limits lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Know When to Contact a Birmingham Exceeding Posted Speed Limits Lawyer
In the immediate aftermath of an accident caused by a driver who was exceeding the posted speed limit, immediately seek medical attention. Call the police to the scene as quickly as possible and exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver. As soon as your injuries are treated and your condition is stable, you may want to contact a lawyer.
A lawyer can listen to the details of your case and hear from any witnesses while events are still fresh in everyone’s mind. A lawyer can also start gathering information and building a case right away. In Birmingham, you might have as little as two years to build, present, value, and prove your compensation claim.
A Birmingham exceeding posted speed limits attorney can start working on your case while you concentrate on your physical and emotional wellbeing, including:
- Answering your questions about your legal rights and the potential outcomes of pursuing a case
- Collecting evidence to support your claim against a speeding driver
- Managing documentation and deadlines surrounding your claim
- Representing you in court or in legal and negotiation proceedings with the other party’s insurance company or lawyer
- Helping you navigate the processing of pursuing compensation
Our exceeding posted speed limits attorneys in Birmingham may be able to build a case and pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a Exceeding Posted Speed Limits Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Birmingham Speeding FAQs
Unfortunately, too many drivers neglect Alabama speed limit laws and wind up causing accidents that result in serious injuries. Even as a victim, you might wonder what the consequences are for a speeding motorist. A Birmingham exceeding posted speed limits lawyer answers a few frequently asked questions.
Is It Ever Legal to Exceed the Speed Limit in Alabama?
Can You Go to Jail for Speeding in Alabama?
Is It Ever Legal to Exceed the Speed Limit in Alabama?
In short, no. Most drivers have a tendency to accelerate a few miles above the speed limit. It happens to every driver. And it’s impossible for law enforcement to witness it and ticket a driver every time it happens.
But generally, drivers must follow posted Alabama speed limits reasonably and prudently under the conditions of that roadway at the time. And they must have regard to actual and potential hazards. In short, drivers must maintain safe speeds based on current conditions. That’s the basic speeding law.
However, Alabama institutes absolute speed limits for certain areas. For example, 70 mph is the limit on interstate highways, while 30 mph is the limit in urban districts. Anyone caught and ticketed for this traffic violation can receive fines and points on their driving record.
Speeding one to 25 mph over the posted speed limit can get you two points docked on your license. Speeding 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit can get you five points docked. Failing to adhere to safety standards and road conditions beyond that could become reckless driving or reckless endangerment involving operating a motor vehicle.
Can You Go to Jail for Speeding in Alabama?
In short, yes. But often, going to jail for speeding in Alabama will require committing numerous traffic offenses before it happens. Generally, first offense traffic violations involving speeding result in fines and points on your license. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to wind up in jail, too.
Speeding is one of many Birmingham, AL, traffic violations that occur too frequently. Sometimes, it can turn into a reckless driving charge. Exceeding the speed limit and reckless driving are both misdemeanor traffic offenses in Alabama.
Penalties drivers may face for speeding in Alabama can include:
- Fines no more than $100
- Jail time no longer than 10 days
- License suspension for no more than one year
Penalties drivers may face for reckless driving in Alabama can include:
- Fines between $25 and $500
- Jail time no longer than 90 days
- License suspension for no more than six months
Typically, these penalties are true for first-time offenders. It can get much worse with higher fines, jail time, and license suspension for multiple offenses.
Do Not Allow Another Driver’s Recklessness to Cost You Financially
A driver who exceeds the posted speed limit puts every driver and pedestrian on the road at risk. If you or a family member were injured in an accident because another driver was speeding, you may have the foundation of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
You may be able to hold the at-fault driver and their insurer responsible for the costs of the accident they caused. Time is limited, so do not wait. As soon as you are able, contact our Birmingham traffic violation lawyers today by calling the Morris Bart law firm.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
