Speeding-Related Car Accidents in Pennsylvania

Car Accident Attorneys Serving Harrisburg & the Surrounding Areas

Speeding is the sole contributing factor in about 30% of all deadly car crashes in any given year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is a good reason why it is illegal to exceed posted speed limits—excessive speed increases the chance of a driver losing control of his or her vehicle, increases the stopping distance needed to safely brake, makes it more difficult to execute lane changes and other maneuvers safely, and increases the impact of collisions. Speeding puts everyone on the road at risk, including other automobile drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

If you were injured or if your loved one died in a car accident, reach out to Metzger Wickersham today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can evaluate your claim and determine whether speeding was a factor. We have the necessary resources—including access to industry experts, such as accident reconstructionists—to properly investigate and litigate your claim.

With offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pottsville, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, and York, we serve clients throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your speeding-related car accident claim.

Call (888) 286-2850 or submit a free online case evaluation form to get started.

Speeding Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, speeding laws are enforced through both basic and absolute speed limits. The basic speed law requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the current road conditions, such as weather, visibility, and traffic. This means that even if a driver is traveling under the posted speed limit, they can still be cited for speeding if their driving is deemed unsafe for the given conditions. The state’s basic speed law emphasizes the need for caution and adaptability when driving in adverse conditions.

The absolute speed limit, on the other hand, is strictly based on the posted speed limits. If a driver exceeds the posted limit, they are automatically considered to be in violation of the law. In most urban and residential areas, the speed limit is typically 25 to 35 miles per hour, while highways and rural areas can have speed limits up to 65 miles per hour. Some areas may have speed limits as high as 70 miles per hour on specific sections of interstate highways. Exceeding these limits can result in fines, points on a driver’s record, and possible suspension of driving privileges, especially for repeat offenders.

Additionally, Pennsylvania enforces specific laws for excessive speeding. If a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by 31 miles per hour or more, they may face more severe penalties, including higher fines and mandatory court appearances. In construction zones, speeding violations carry doubled fines, emphasizing safety in these potentially hazardous areas. Pennsylvania also utilizes speed enforcement methods such as radar, speed cameras, and aircraft patrols to ensure compliance with these laws.

The Dangers of Speeding

As previously mentioned, speeding is one of the most dangerous things a person can do behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Posted speed limits are meant to keep everyone on the road safe, but millions of people drive above these limits or even engage in excessive speeds while on our shared highways and roads. Tragically, this leads to thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths every year.

What makes speeding so dangerous? Studies have shown that speeding beyond the posted speed limit has the following effects:

• Exponentially increases the length required to stop
• Reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle, including steering
• Heightens the risk of a rollover accident
• Lowers the effectiveness of safety devices in the vehicle, such as seat belts and airbags
• Increases the impact and severity of the crash
• Heightens the risk of catastrophic injury and death in the event of a collision

It is important to note that speeding does not only refer to driving faster than the posted speed limit; even if you are traveling at legal speeds but are going too fast for current road or weather conditions, you could experience the negative effects of speeding and could become involved in a serious crash.

Other Common Factors in Speeding-Related Crashes

Speeding is a form of aggressive driving, and it is usually accompanied by other aggressive, reckless, or negligent driving behaviors, thus increasing the risk of an accident, as well as the severity of collisions when they do occur.

Speeding-related car accidents may involve the following elements:

• Drag/street racing
• Road rage
• Unskilled, aggressive, or impatient drivers
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Impairment by drugs or alcohol
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Poor weather conditions
• Defective roadways

At Metzger Wickersham, our Pennsylvania speeding car accident attorneys look at all applicable factors when building your case. We know how to obtain concrete evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence and liability, and we utilize this to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation our clients are owed.

How Speeding Plays a Role in a Car Accident

In a car accident investigation, determining whether speeding was a factor involves several steps and considerations. Here's how it typically unfolds:

• Witness Statements: Investigators gather statements from witnesses who saw the accident occur. These witnesses might provide information about the speed of the vehicles involved before the collision.
• Driver Statements: The drivers involved in the accident may provide their accounts of the events leading up to the crash. This can include their speed and any other relevant details.
• Physical Evidence: Investigators examine the physical evidence at the scene, such as skid marks, the extent of vehicle damage, and the point of impact. Long skid marks can indicate that a vehicle was traveling at a high speed and had to brake abruptly.
• Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles are often equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or "black boxes" that record various parameters, including speed, braking, and throttle position. Data from these devices can provide precise information about the vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident.
• Road Conditions and Traffic Signals: The condition of the road, the presence of traffic signals, and any relevant signage are reviewed. For example, if the speed limit was clearly posted and the driver was significantly exceeding it, this might indicate speeding as a contributing factor.
• Accident Reconstruction: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called in to analyze the scene and the physical evidence. They use mathematical models and simulations to estimate the speeds of the vehicles involved and how speed may have contributed to the accident.
• Expert Testimony: Sometimes, experts such as accident reconstructionists or engineers are brought in to provide testimony about the role of speed in the accident. Their analysis can help clarify whether speeding was a contributing factor.

Damages for Victims of Accidents Caused by Speeding

In Pennsylvania, you have several options when it comes to your auto insurance policy. This also means that you have several options for recovering compensation after a car or other type of motor vehicle accident. If you have opted out of the state’s no-fault insurance system, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the crash and is, therefore, liable for your injuries. This allows you to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider and/or file a lawsuit for damages.

If you have limited or full tort coverage, you could be entitled to compensation from your own auto insurance provider after the crash. If your coverage is limited, you can only recover up to certain amounts for specific damages as outlined by your policy. If you have full tort coverage, your ability to recover for your accident-related damages is more comprehensive.

However, even if your coverage is limited, you can still step outside the no-fault system in some cases and bring a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. To do this, you will need to prove that your injuries meet the state’s definition of a “serious injury.” Generally speaking, these injuries include those that are disabling in nature and/or result in significant/permanent impairment of an important bodily function, system, organ, or member.

At Metzger Wickersham, we can help you understand which types of damages you may be eligible to receive. This may include:

• All current and future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses associated with medications, medical equipment, and medical devices
• Transportation costs for traveling to and from medical appointments
• Lost income/wages
• Lost earning ability/disability and future lost wages
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress

We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have regarding the specifics of your case during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to get started.

Fighting to Hold Aggressive & Reckless Drivers Accountable

Drivers who speed cause accidents and should be held accountable for their recklessness and the injuries or fatalities they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver, you have rights. Please contact Metzger Wickersham to request a complimentary, risk-free consultation to discuss your rights and the personal injury claims process.

The emotional and physical trauma that survivors of serious car accidents endure can be devastating and expensive. An experienced lawyer at Metzger Wickersham can help you fight to get compensated for your medical bills, physical and emotional distress, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost income/earning capacity, and other damages.

Since 1888, our firm has been trusted throughout Pennsylvania. We are committed to upholding our legacy of excellence, providing personalized, client-focused service and aggressive advocacy. As true trial lawyers, our attorneys have the experience and acumen to represent you and your best interests in the courtroom. Most of all, we strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you. We have multiple office locations and can travel to meet you in your home or at the hospital if necessary. You can trust our team to handle every legal detail of your case so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Let us fight on your behalf! Call (888) 286-2850 or contact us online today to set up a free initial consultation.