Did you know that 90% of auto accidents are caused by driver error? That’s right. And among all the types of careless behavior a driver might display that contributes to these crashes occurring, the number one cause of fatal collisions in the State of Iowa is speed. Many drivers often don’t recognize the risks associated with speeding which is why many engage in the act. But there are many consequences to speeding including:
- A greater potential for losing control of your vehicle.
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment.
- Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger.
- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries.
- Economic implications of a speed-related crash.
- Increased fuel consumption/cost.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)].
Why do so many drivers speed?
The NHTSA says that speeding is categorized as a type of aggressive behavior that is often done for one of many reasons. We have cited for you below what some of these are.
- Traffic
When traffic congestion begins to build, “drivers may respond by using aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone who they believe impedes their progress.” While most drivers assume that by speeding around stopped cars and weaving in and out of traffic that they are going to avoid having to sit in it, the only thing they are really doing is increasing their chances of engaging in a wreck.
- Running Late
Some motorists will travel at unsafe speeds or beyond what the legal speed limit is when they are running late for work, school, an appointment, etc. or if they have too many tasks to complete.
- Anonymity
Many drivers feel “hidden” when inside their car or truck which sometimes results in them developing “a sense of detachment, as if an observer of their surroundings, rather than a participant. This can lead to some people feeling less constrained in their behavior when they cannot be seen by others and/or when it is unlikely that they will ever again see those who witness their behavior.” This is yet another reason why a driver might speed despite the fact that they are violating the law and putting the lives of others at risk.
- Disregard for Others and For the Law
Although the NHTSA says that most motorists rarely engage in aggressive behavior on a regular basis, there are some that do occasionally and others who experience an aggressive episode as a result of the conditions they are exposed to. For example, “occasional episodes of aggressive driving–such as speeding and changing lanes abruptly–might occur in response to specific situations, like when the driver is late for an important appointment but is not the driver’s normal behavior.” Although drivers are aware that speeding is a traffic infraction that carries penalties and is considered risky behavior that contributes to serious and fatal accidents, they still choose to do it. When a driver is more concerned with how they feel and what they need to do, they often disregard how their actions might affect those sharing the road with them.
Here’s what you can do if you were involved in a crash with a speeding driver in Iowa City, IA and injuries were sustained.
Speeding has been and continues to be a problem for all drivers here in the State of Iowa. In order to help curb this problem, it is important for those who have been involved in an accident with a speeding driver to seek justice for the imposition the crash has caused them. They can do this by filing a personal injury lawsuit against him/her. In addition to that, when you recognize a driver in a lawsuit for their negligent behavior, it also helps to prevent him/her as well as others from engaging in the same or similar behavior.
Now, the State of Iowa has set a time limit (i.e. statute of limitations) for how long a victim has to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases that stem from auto accidents, a person has two years from the date of the incident or date their injury became known to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed only puts your case at risk of being dismissed.
Now, if you need more information on filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver in Iowa City, IA or are ready to have an Iowa City, IA car accident attorney assess your incident to determine if you are ready to file suit, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. today. Our team of experienced lawyers understand how difficult and frustrating life can be following a car collision and are here to make this time easier on you and your loved ones. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you not only open yourself up to recovering compensation for any medical bills that may have accrued, but also recouping any lost income you would have received had you been able to work.
You can reach Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
