Freehold Speeding Accident Lawyers
Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road, yet we see it daily. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions increase the likelihood of causing injuries and extensive property damage. Throughout New Jersey, speeding remains a leading cause of traffic accidents, and those affected often face legal, medical, and financial challenges. The physical, emotional, and financial strain caused by these incidents can be significant, and taking legal action may help reduce some of that burden. The Freehold speeding accident lawyers at Ellis Law have extensive experience handling these cases and can guide you through the legal process with confidence and clarity.
What Makes Speeding So Dangerous?
Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to hazards, pedestrians, or sudden stops. It also increases the force of impact in a collision, which can intensify the severity of injuries. Higher speeds contribute to a longer stopping distance and can cause vehicles to lose control more easily, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Drivers who speed may also ignore traffic signals or take reckless actions to maintain their pace, which increases the likelihood of multi-vehicle crashes. Even when seatbelts and other safety devices are used, the risk of serious harm is significantly higher when excessive speed is involved.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Speeding Accident?
In speeding accident cases, the driver who was traveling above the legal speed limit is generally held responsible for the resulting damages. Liability may be established through police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and other forms of evidence that indicate the driver was acting negligently.
There may also be circumstances in which multiple parties share fault, though. For example, if a municipality failed to maintain signage or if a vehicle malfunction contributed to the incident, additional parties may be included in a claim. To determine liability, our Freehold speeding accident lawyers complete a careful review of the facts, gather and analyze evidence, and apply specific state laws.
What Types of Injuries Occur in Speeding Accidents?
Speeding accidents result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to permanent disabilities. Common injuries include broken bones, spinal cord trauma, head injuries, internal bleeding, and whiplash. In the most serious cases, individuals may require long-term rehabilitation or assistive medical devices.
The physical toll of a high-speed crash is often compounded by emotional and psychological consequences. Anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can emerge in the aftermath, affecting one’s ability to return to work or daily routines.
How Does New Jersey Law Treat Speeding Accident Claims?
New Jersey operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that an injured party may still recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a court determines that the injured person was partially responsible, any compensation awarded may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Speeding is considered a form of negligence under New Jersey law. If it can be shown that a driver’s excessive speed directly caused or contributed to an accident, the driver may be found liable for the resulting harm.
What Compensation May Be Available in a Speeding Accident Claim?
Our Freehold speeding accident lawyers pursue every available avenue for compensation in these claims. That might include coverage for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving long-term disability or disfigurement, damages may also cover future lost earnings and costs related to ongoing medical care.
Each case is different, though, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of the losses, and the strength of the supporting evidence. Claims must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is typically two years from the date of the accident in New Jersey.
What Steps Should Be Taken After a Speeding-Related Accident?
The moments after a high-speed crash can be disorienting and stressful. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not initially apparent. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms until hours or days later.
Reporting the incident to law enforcement, documenting the scene with photographs, gathering witness information, and requesting a copy of the police report are also important steps. We also recommend contacting our Freehold speeding accident lawyers early in the process to clarify legal options and prevent costly mistakes.
How Is Evidence Collected in Speeding Accident Claims?
Evidence is the foundation of any successful claim. Law enforcement documentation, skid mark analysis, vehicle damage assessments, and surveillance footage can all demonstrate that a driver was traveling at an unsafe speed. Cellphone records, traffic signal data, and GPS information may also be relevant.
Witness accounts provide additional context and can support claims about the driver’s behavior before the collision. Again, prompt action is important, as physical evidence may be lost or degraded over time, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
What if the At-Fault Driver Was Not Ticketed for Speeding?
A lack of citation does not automatically mean that speeding was not a factor. It is possible for a driver to have been driving too fast for conditions even if they were not exceeding the posted limit. Evidence like road conditions, weather reports, and accident reconstruction findings may still support a claim that speed was a contributing cause. Our Freehold speeding accident lawyers can help evaluate the evidence and determine the most effective legal strategy, regardless of whether a citation was issued at the scene.
Why Is Legal Representation Important in Speeding Accident Cases?
Proving that speeding caused an accident can be challenging. Insurance companies may dispute the severity of injuries or argue that other factors were to blame. Having a legal advocate who is familiar with the strategies used in these cases can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Our Freehold legal team works with investigators, accident reconstruction professionals, and medical providers to build compelling cases. We handle communications with insurance companies, evaluate settlement offers, and prepare for litigation if a fair resolution cannot be reached.
Freehold Speeding Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Skillfully Serve Clients Injured in Speeding Accidents
Let the experienced Freehold speeding accident lawyers at Ellis Law help you if you or a loved one was affected by a speeding accident. For a free consultation, submit our online form or call our Freehold, New Jersey office at 732-308-0200. We proudly serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
