Speeding is a persistent problem running rampant across U.S. roads and North Dakota is no exception to this. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 9,000 people died in fatal auto accidents caused by speeding in 2018 alone. It’s no wonder that speeding accidents can cause such devastation when you consider the fact that NHTSA also asserts that crashes on roads with speed limits of 65 mph or higher are twice as likely to result in a fatality than crashes on roads with speed limits from 45 mph to 50 mph and almost five times as likely as crashes on roads with speed limits from 40 mph and below. The message is clear. The greater the speed, the more likely that a resulting accident will have devastating, even fatal, consequences.
Why Do Speeding Accidents Occur in North Dakota?
Speeding accidents can occur in North Dakota for a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes is crucial for raising awareness and promoting road safety. Here are some factors that can contribute to speeding accidents in North Dakota:
- Rural Roads: North Dakota’s vast rural areas often feature long stretches of open road, where drivers may be tempted to exceed speed limits due to the perception of lower traffic and fewer enforcement officers.
- Low Population Density: With lower population density, some drivers might feel less inhibited to speed, believing there is a reduced risk of collisions.
- Long Distances: North Dakota’s expansive geography can lead to longer travel times between destinations. Drivers might resort to speeding to cover these distances faster.
- Harsh Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions, including winter snow and ice, can make roads hazardous. Drivers trying to reach their destinations quickly might speed without considering the increased risk.
- Lack of Awareness: Some drivers might not be fully aware of the current speed limit or road conditions due to poor signage or unfamiliarity with the area.
- Limited Alternatives: In some areas, there might be limited alternative routes, leading drivers to take risks by speeding rather than waiting in traffic.
- Lack of Public Transit: In regions with limited public transportation options, individuals might rely more heavily on personal vehicles, potentially leading to increased instances of speeding.
- Distracted Driving: With fewer cars on the road, drivers might be more inclined to engage in distracted behaviors, including speeding, due to a false sense of security.
Promoting responsible driving behaviors, proper road signage, increased law enforcement presence, and public awareness can all play a vital role in preventing speeding-related accidents. If you have been injured due to someone else speeding, contact our personal injury attorneys today.
Understanding Speeding Accidents & Liability
Everyone seems to be in a rush these days. People are impatient. They have places to be and they want to get there as quickly as possible. This is usually the reason a driver chooses to speed. Crashes involving speeding drivers occur at intersections, with the speeding driver running a red light and running into another vehicle. Speeding crashes also often occur because the speeding driver does not have enough time to slow down to avoid crashing into another vehicle that is slowing down. The fact is that speeding accidents occur in a number of scenarios with the common thread being that one driver was driving beyond what was safe under the circumstances.
In accidents involving a speeding motorist, the driver operating their vehicle in excess of posted speed limits will likely be found at fault, or at least partially at fault, for causing the accident. This, however, needs to be proven through solid evidence. Evidence of speeding may include:
- The official accident report
- Video footage from nearby security cameras
- Witness statements
- Inspection of vehicle damage
- Report from an accident reconstruction expert
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for the harm you suffered as a result of the accident. These are your damages. A damage award may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits and hospital bills, surgical costs, physical therapy treatments, and more.
- Property damage including damage sustained by your vehicle
- Loss of income including wages you missed out on due to taking time off from work because of your injuries and future earnings you may miss out on due to your injuries as well
- Pain and suffering including loss of enjoyment of life and emotional trauma you sustained as a result of the accident and your resulting injuries
North Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys
Speeding is dangerous and countless have suffered in accidents caused by speeding drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was speeding, the North Dakota speeding accident lawyers at Pringle & Herigstad is here to help see to it that you are properly compensated for the harm you have suffered. Contact us today.
