Speeding can be a very serious highway violation in the state of Rhode Island. Many drivers do not consider the seriousness of receiving a ticket for excessive speed when there are no other factors involved.
Speeding car accident lawyer in Rhode Island
RI speeding accident
Excessive speeding by drivers is bad judgement and reckless behavior. Problems can easily be compounded when the individual driving beyond the speed limit is involved in a wreck while speeding. And, even when a reckless driver is not cited for speeding following an accident, the accident reconstruction specialist could still determine that any driver involved in a crash was going in excess of the speed limit. Even without a ticket, a driver can still be judged as negligent after a crash and face claims for civil damages.
Comparative Fault in Rhode Island
Nearly all states use some form of comparative negligence law when adjudicating an accident. In Rhode Island, the pure comparative fault law is the law of the Ocean state. This is even true for those who are speeding if other drivers also contributed to the causation.
When a Wreck Goes to Trial
This could bode badly for a speeding driver if a car accident attorney can articulate to a jury and the court that the driver was indeed driving in a reckless manner, regardless of the absence of a speeding citation. Just because a driver does not get a ticket from the investigating officer does not mean the judge or a jury cannot assign total fault at least, and potentially determine gross negligence and reckless disregard for others using the highway.
Drivers involved in speeding-related crashes
Alcohol involvement is prevalent for drivers involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2012, 42 percent of speeding drivers had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher in fatal crashes, compared to only 16 percent of non-speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes (Table 2).
In 2012, 28 percent of the speeding drivers under age 21 who were involved in fatal crashes also had BACs of .08 g/dL or higher. In contrast, only 13 percent of the non-speeding drivers under 21 involved in fatal crashes in 2012 had BACs of .08 g/ dL or higher. For drivers 21 to 24 years old who were involved in fatal crashes in 2012, 50 percentof speeding drivers had BACs of .08 g/dL or higher, compared with only 24 percent of non-speeding drivers.” Crash Stats
Providence car crash
“PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — A 20-year-old man who was hurt in a crash Wednesday apparently filmed himself on Facebook Live as he was weaving in and out of traffic at more than 100 miles per hour. Police told NBC 10 News that Onasi Olio-Rojas of Pawtucket suffered serious injuries and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital after the car he was driving smashed into a dump truck just before 11:30 a.m. As of 9:20 p.m., authorities said he was in critical condition.” Turn to 10
Speeding vehicles can lead to serious accidents resulting in death and injury. When a vehicle is traveling at speeds higher than the posted speed limits or too fast for the road and weather conditions, it greatly increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of its consequences. Here are some of the potential outcomes of a speeding vehicle crash:
- Fatalities: High-speed crashes are more likely to result in fatalities. The force of impact and the difficulty in controlling the vehicle at high speeds can lead to severe injuries that prove fatal.
- Serious Injuries: Speeding increases the risk of serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. These injuries can have long-term consequences for the victims.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries: Speeding vehicles pose a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Collisions with pedestrians and cyclists at high speeds can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Property Damage: High-speed crashes can cause significant property damage, not only to the vehicles involved but also to other objects and structures on or near the road.
- Psychological Impact: Speeding accidents can have a lasting psychological impact on survivors, witnesses, and first responders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon in the aftermath of such accidents.
- Legal Consequences: Speeding is a traffic violation in many jurisdictions, and drivers found to be at fault for a speeding-related accident may face legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges in cases of severe negligence.
- Economic Impact: Speeding accidents can have a significant economic impact. Medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and lost wages can be substantial.
To prevent speeding-related accidents, it is essential to adhere to posted speed limits, adjust your speed to road and weather conditions, and drive at a safe and reasonable speed. Safe driving practices, such as not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and avoiding distractions while driving, also play a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives.