Chicago Speeding Accident Attorney

Most individuals abide by the rules of the road. They signal when turning, stop at a red light, and follow the speed limits. However, some drivers act recklessly, pushing the vehicles well past the posted limits.

A vehicle exceeding the recommended speed on a highway, road, or street puts everyone at risk. Speeding is a major contributor to devastating and tragic accidents all across Chicago and the suburbs.

If you have been affected by a careless speeding driver, there is help. At Thomas Law Offices, we understand the hardships these accidents can cause victims and their families.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve in these vehicle crashes. Reach out to a Chicago speeding accident lawyer today.

Traveling at a Speed Above the Posted Speed Limit Is Dangerous and Reckless

Speeding plays a role in many traffic crash injuries and deaths. According to the National Safety Council, speed was a factor in 29% of fatalities throughout 2022. Unfortunately, that means 33 people per day were killed due to excessive speeds.

Speeding is reckless and dangerous behavior. Driving over the posted speed limit can pose many safety risks. Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time, leaving them less time to respond to unexpected events. It can also easily cause someone to lose control of their vehicle, especially when there is ice, snow, or rain.

At a high rate of speed, the force of crash impact causes more devastating consequences.

Speeding endangers everyone on the road.

Injuries Associated With Speeding-Related Crashes

If you have been involved in a crash, you probably have suffered an injury. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 94,281 speed-related crashes occurred in the state in 2021. Out of those numbers, 85,398 of these accidents left drivers or passengers with some injuries.

Many times, victims suffer a wide range of injuries, such as:

• Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then backward due to the rapid impact of the crash.
• High-speed crashes can lead to head trauma, such as concussions, skull fractures, and brain contusions. The impact force can cause head injuries- even with airbags and seat belts.
• The impact force can cause chest and abdominal trauma. Rib fractures, lung contusions, and damage to internal organs are a few of these serious injuries.
• Severe crashes may cause spinal fractures, herniated discs, or paralysis.
• Due to the impact of a high-speed collision, you could experience fractures to the arms, legs, pelvis, and collarbone.
• Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained, sprained, or torn during a crash.
• If the car accident results in a fire or explosion, occupants may suffer from first- to third-degree burns.

Along with the above, let’s not forget about the emotional and physical impacts of the accident. Many times, victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect a person for many months or years after the incident.

As previously mentioned, speed can lead to fatalities. In these cases, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These individuals can recover costs related to their loved one’s medical costs, loss of income, and funeral and burial expenses.

If you or a family member has been affected by dangerous speeding on the road, contact us at Thomas Law Offices. Recovering from these injuries can be difficult. We want to make the legal process easier for you. Reach out to a lawyer who handles serious Chicago car accidents today.

Illinois Laws Regarding Speed Limits

In Illinois, speeding is defined as driving at a speed that is “greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway or endangers the safety of any person or property.”

Basically, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. Here are some points related to speed limits outlined in Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) and, more specifically, 625 ILCS 5/11-601:

• No vehicle may be driven on any highway in Illinois at a speed greater than posted limits.
• Even if a vehicle’s speed does not exceed the maximum speed limit, the driver must still decrease speed when approaching intersections, curves, hill crests, narrow or winding roadways, or special hazards.
• Drivers must use due care to avoid collisions with pedestrians, other vehicles, or any hazards.
• The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 30 miles per hour, and 15 miles per hour in alleys.
• The maximum speed limit is 65 miles per hour on highways with at least four lanes and separation between opposite-direction roadways.
• The maximum speed limit is 55 miles per hour for other highways, streets, and roads.
• On interstate highways under the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, the maximum speed limit is 70 miles per hour.

If the driver who caused the accident broke any of these laws, they could be liable for your losses.

A Car Accident Lawyer Streamlines the Claims Process

After an accident, you need to focus on your recovery and managing these unexpected injuries and bills. In these cases, you will want to rely on an experienced car crash lawyer to help during this time.

An experienced Chicago speeding accident lawyer will examine the circumstances of the accident to determine fault. Speeding often leads to liability in a traffic accident. Establishing liability is important for seeking compensation, and they will work to gather evidence and build a strong case to support your claim.

Dealing with insurance companies, paperwork, and legal procedures can be overwhelming, especially when you are already experiencing pain from the crash. A skilled legal representative handles the entire process, making sure you meet deadlines. Additionally, they will communicate with the insurance company and other parties involved, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a speed-related auto accident in Illinois, make sure to contact an attorney to provide support for your case.

What Compensation Can I Recover in These Accidents?

Speeding drivers completely disregard the health and safety of others on the road. They need to be held accountable for their actions. If you were affected by these crashes, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical costs related to their treatment and recovery bills.
• Pain and suffering from enduring physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma due to the accident.
• Compensation for lost wages if the injury affected or continues to impact your ability to work.
• While the focus is usually on personal injuries, you can also seek compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all amount that you can recover in these cases. However, consulting with a Chicago lawyer who takes on speed-related crashes can help you get a better idea of the available compensation for your claim.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Speeding Accident Lawyer

We deliver individualized attention to each client’s case at Thomas Law Offices. Our law firm stands as a fierce advocate for our clients. We will make sure your voices are heard and your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Don’t just trust anyone with your case; reach out to the team that will be your strongest legal ally in and out of the courtroom.

If you have sustained an injury or lost a loved one due to a speed-related incident, make sure to contact one of our Chicago car accident lawyers. We are ready to offer a complimentary consultation to evaluate your case. Contact us at our office today.