Chattanooga Speeding Accidents Lawyers
Our Chattanooga speeding accident attorneys are here when you’re harmed by a negligent driver
Speeding accidents can cause utter devastation, altering multiple lives in an instant. When excessive speed leads to collisions and crashes, the consequences can be catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens for those involved. If you've been injured in a speeding accident, you don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, our team of dedicated Chattanooga speeding accident attorneys is here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time. With years of experience advocating for victims of speeding accidents, we commit ourselves to fighting for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
How can we help?
How common are speeding accidents?
The National Safety Council (NSC) states the following regarding speeding:
Speeding is a major factor in traffic deaths and injuries. The role of speeding in crashes is described in terms of its effect on the driver, the vehicle, and the road. Excessive speeding reduces the amount of time the driver has to react in a dangerous situation to avoid a crash, increases vehicle stopping distance, and reduces the ability of road safety structures (such as guardrails, impact attenuators, crash cushions, median dividers, and concrete barriers) to protect vehicle occupants in a crash.
The NSC also points out that speed was a factor in 29% of all traffic deaths in 2021 – killing an average of 33 people per day. They note that “A crash is considered speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was indicated as a contributing factor in the crash.”
Why is speeding in Chattanooga so dangerous?
Speeding is dangerous for several reasons:
- The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops, pedestrians crossing the road, or other vehicles changing lanes. This can increase the likelihood of accidents occurring.
- When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, it requires more distance to come to a complete stop. If a driver is speeding and suddenly encounters a hazard, they may not have enough distance to stop safely, leading to collisions.
- High speeds reduce a driver's ability to control their vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or on roads with poor traction. Speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, which can result in accidents.
- In the event of a collision, the force of impact is significantly increased when vehicles are traveling at high speeds. This can lead to more severe injuries or fatalities for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the accident.
- Speeding reduces a driver's ability to see and react to hazards on the road, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles. This can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in situations where visibility is already limited.
Overall, speeding not only increases the risk of car accidents but also exacerbates the severity of those accidents when they do occur. Sticking to the speed limit and driving at a speed appropriate for road conditions can lessen the risk of an accident and ensure your and other road users’ safety.
Why do drivers speed in Chattanooga?
Drivers speed for a variety of reasons, including:
- Many drivers feel pressured to reach their destinations quickly due to time constraints or scheduling commitments. This pressure may lead them to exceed speed limits in an attempt to save time.
- Some drivers may exhibit impatience or a lack of tolerance for delays or traffic congestion. They may resort to speeding as a means to navigate through traffic more quickly and efficiently.
- In some instances, drivers may believe that they have the skills to handle their vehicles safely at higher speeds, leading them to disregard speed limits. This perception of safety can embolden drivers to exceed posted speed limits.
- In certain social circles, there may be an informal acceptance or even encouragement of speeding behavior. Peer pressure or the desire to conform can lead drivers to engage in speeding.
- Some individuals may possess personality traits such as sensation-seeking behavior or a tendency towards risk-taking. These traits can cause them to engage in speeding behavior as they seek excitement or adrenaline while driving.
- Some drivers may not fully understand the dangers associated with speeding or may underestimate the risks involved. This lack of awareness can lead to complacency regarding speed limits and traffic laws.
- In areas where speed limit enforcement is lax or inconsistent, drivers may feel less deterred from speeding. The perceived low risk of being caught can embolden drivers to exceed speed limits more frequently.
- For some individuals, speeding provides a sense of thrill or excitement. The adrenaline rush associated with driving at high speeds may motivate them to engage in speeding behavior.
Overall, a combination of factors contributes to why drivers choose to speed despite the associated risks and legal consequences. If you or a loved one were injured in a Chattanooga speeding accident, call our lawyers today for help.
What injuries occur in Chattanooga speeding accidents?
A wide range of injuries can occur in Chattanooga speeding accidents, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash. Some common injuries resulting from speeding accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions, which are common in speeding accidents, can cause whiplash and neck injuries due to the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.
- Head injuries such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures can occur when occupants strike their heads on the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows during a collision.
- High-speed accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- The impact of a speeding accident can lead to fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- The force of a collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptured organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur due to the sudden jerking movements experienced during a speeding accident.
- In accidents involving vehicle fires or explosions, occupants may suffer burn injuries, which can range from minor burns to severe third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
- In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in speeding accidents may also experience emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression as a result of the traumatic event.
These are just a few examples of the injuries that can occur in speeding accidents in Chattanooga. It's important to recognize the serious consequences of speeding and take measures to prevent accidents by obeying speed limits and driving safely at all times.
What is the value of my Chattanooga speeding accident claim?
Determining the value of your speeding accident claim in Chattanooga depends on a variety of factors and requires a thorough evaluation of the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Here are some of the key factors that can influence the value of your claim:
- The extent of your injuries: The severity and extent of injuries sustained in your accident play a significant role in determining the value of your claim. This includes both physical injuries and any emotional trauma or psychological effects resulting from the accident. Typically, the more severe your injuries, the higher your compensation.
- Medical expenses: Your claim should include all current and anticipated future medical expenses related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication costs, and any necessary ongoing and future care.
- Lost wages: If the injuries sustained in the accident caused you to miss work or resulted in a loss of earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may be awarded for your physical pain and emotional suffering endured as a result of the accident and the injuries sustained. This can vary depending on the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
- Property damage: You may also be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
It's important to consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate the specific details of your case and help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation for your speeding accident claim in Chattanooga. At Wagner & Wagner, we want to help.
Do you have a Chattanooga speeding accident lawyer near me?
Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law are located at 701 Market Street, Suite 310 in Chattanooga, right off Dallas Road. If you are unable to come to our offices due to your injuries, we can schedule a phone or video consultation or come visit you at home or in the hospital.
Meet with our skilled Chattanooga speeding accident attorneys today
If you've been injured in a speeding accident in Chattanooga, don't navigate the complexities of your legal claim alone. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, our experienced team of speeding accident attorneys is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. With our in-depth understanding of Tennessee's laws and regulations surrounding speeding accidents, we'll work tirelessly to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation, call our Chattanooga offices or fill out our contact form today.