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In Virginia, speeding is one of the leading causes of car accident fatalities. In fact, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), speeding resulted in 22,479 collisions and 406 fatalities in 2020. 47.9 percent of all traffic fatalities were speed-related. This is one of the main reasons Virginia has enacted some of the most strict speeding laws in the country.
Why Speed Limits?
The speed limit is the maximum speed that a vehicle is allowed to travel on a particular road or highway. It is enforceable by law and is typically posted in miles per hour (mph). Speed limits aim to promote safe driving and prevent accidents by ensuring that drivers do not exceed a safe speed for the conditions.
Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and the surrounding area from as low as 25 mph to as high as 70 mph according to Virginia law:
Punishments and Fines
If a driver is caught speeding in Virginia, they can expect to face pretty hefty punishments and fines. Depending on how fast they were going and whether or not they had any previous speeding offenses, they could be facing anything from a simple traffic ticket to a misdemeanor charge (reckless driving).
How to Avoid a Speeding Accident
Speeding does not just put the driver at risk; it makes everyone on the road vulnerable to an accident. Following these tips helps make the roads a safer place for everyone:
- Know the posted speed limits in the areas where you will be driving.
- Plan your route before you begin driving so that you are familiar with the roads and do not have to hurry to reach your destination.
- Drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers and their behaviors, and do not assume that they will obey the speed limit or drive safely.
- Avoid driving in bad weather conditions, such as during a storm or heavy snowfall. Bad weather combined with reckless drivers is a recipe for disaster.
What Can I Do If I'm Struck by a Speeding Driver?
If a speeding driver has hit you, you can do a few things to protect your rights:
- First, call the police and make a report.
- Get the driver's insurance information.
- Take pictures of your vehicle's damage.
- Get witnesses' contact information.
- Keep track of any medical bills or other expenses related to the accident.
After gathering as much evidence as you can, contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. They may be able to help you recover damages from the at-fault driver's insurance company or file a lawsuit against the driver.
Car Accident Attorneys in Harrisonburg, VA
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone speeding, the car accident attorneys at Obenshain Law Group can help. We have experience holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries and damages they cause, and we can put that experience to work for you. We will handle all of the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance companies so that you can focus on your recovery.
If you were injured in a Virginia car accident, contact us today at (540) 318-7360 to schedule a free consultation.