Speeding Accidents

Bergen County Lawyer Assisting People Injured in Speeding Accidents in the Pursuit of Damages

Speed limits are imposed for the safety of everyone on the road, and all drivers are required to travel at speeds at or below the posted limit. Drivers throughout Bergen County frequently choose to ignore speed limits, however, which often leads to accidents. Crashes brought about by excessive speed can result in devastating injuries, and drivers who cause speeding accidents should be held accountable for any harm that ensues. If you were injured in a car accident caused by speeding, you should speak with an attorney regarding your options for pursuing damages. Howard Leopold of Leopold Law, L.L.C. is a proficient Bergen County car accident attorney with the aptitude and experience needed to help you seek a favorable outcome. Mr. Leopold has offices in Hackensack and New York City, and he helps people injured in car accidents pursue damages in lawsuits throughout Bergen County.

New Jersey Laws Regarding Motor Vehicle Speeds

New Jersey has established speed limits in certain areas to ensure safe driving conditions. Unless otherwise indicated by signs, the speed limit is 25 mph in school zones, as well as in business and residential districts. In certain low-density business and residential areas, the speed limit is set at 35 mph. On general roadways, the speed limit is 50 mph. For specific state highways and all interstates, the speed limit is 55 mph, as posted. Additionally, on certain state highways where indicated by signs, the speed limit can be raised to 65 mph. It’s important for drivers to be aware of and adhere to these speed limits to promote safety on the roads.

Recovering Damages Following a Speeding Accident

When motorists travel at excessive speeds, it diminishes their ability to stop when they approach another car or a hazard, and they often lose control of their vehicles, causing collisions. People injured in speeding accidents may be able to recover compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Typically, compensation is sought via a negligence claim asserted in a civil lawsuit.

Under New Jersey law, a plaintiff alleging the defendant acted negligently must prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of reasonable care and that the defendant breached the duty by acting in a manner that fell below the standard of care. In cases involving speeding accidents, the duty owed usually, is to travel at a safe and reasonable speed. The plaintiff must also show that the breach caused actual harm. To sufficiently prove causation, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s speed was a substantial factor in causing the accident and that the accident would not have occurred if the defendant had not been traveling at a high rate of speed.

Harm Caused by Speeding Accidents

Accidents involving excessive speed generally occur at a high rate of impact and can cause serious and permanent harm. Many people injured in speeding accidents require extensive medical treatment and are unable to work due to their injuries. A plaintiff who proves a defendant’s fault in a speeding accident lawsuit might be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment they needed to undergo for their injuries and damages for their loss of future earnings. They may also be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering they endured due to the accident. If they were married at the time of the accident, their spouse may also be able to recover damages.

Consult a Trusted Bergen County Car Accident Attorney

If you were harmed in a speeding accident, it is prudent to consult an attorney to discuss your rights. Howard Leopold of Leopold Law, L.L.C. is a trusted Bergen County car accident attorney who will work tirelessly to help you seek the best result possible under the facts surrounding your accident. Mr. Leopold’s offices are located in Hackensack and New York City, and he frequently represents people in car crash cases in Bergen County and cities throughout Hudson, Passaic, and Essex Counties in New Jersey, and Bronx, Richmond, Kings, New York, Queens, and Rockland Counties in New York. You can reach him through the form online or at his New Jersey office at (201) 345-5907 or his New York office at (646) 650-2106 to arrange a free and confidential consultation.