The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 29% of fatal auto crashes occur because of speeding, which makes it the second leading cause of car accidents in the US after drunk driving. In addition, many Americans experience severe non-fatal injuries, such as head injury, paralysis, and disability, as a result of speeding-related car crashes every year.
If you lost a loved one to a fatal car accident because of the reckless actions of another driver, you should speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Mississippi to seek justice and maximum compensation.
Factors Amplifying the Risk Speeding Related Fatal Accidents in Mississippi
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive speed contributes to approximately one-third of all road traffic fatalities globally. These are a few factors that contribute to the dangers of speeding:
- Reduced Reaction Time: Speed reduces the other driver’s ability to react promptly to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops, pedestrians crossing, or merging vehicles.
- Increased Impact Severity: The force of impact in a collision increases exponentially with speed. Higher speeds lead to more severe injuries and greater damage to vehicles involved in accidents.
- Inadequate Stopping Distance: Speeding reduces the distance a vehicle needs to stop, making it challenging to come to a halt in time to avoid a collision.
- Impaired Visibility: Speeding reduces the other driver’s ability to perceive and accurately judge distances, limiting their ability to make timely decisions.
- Impaired Control: At higher speeds, vehicles become more difficult to control. Steering becomes less responsive, and sudden maneuvers can lead to loss of control, skidding, or rollovers.
- Limited Visibility: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to perceive and process information from the surroundings. This limited field of vision can lead to missed road signs, signals, and potential hazards.
- Intersection Risks: Speeding through intersections can be particularly dangerous. A driver’s inability to judge the distance and speed of other vehicles increases the likelihood of collisions at crossroads.
If you lost someone because of the negligent actions of a speeding driver, a seasoned wrongful death attorney can provide useful legal advice.
Road Users Most at Risk of Fatal Speeding Accidents in Mississippi
Speeding accidents claim lives indiscriminately, but certain individuals besides other car drivers can be particularly vulnerable to the devastating consequences. These road users are most at risk of getting killed in a speeding auto accident leading to a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Speeding vehicles reduce reaction time, increasing the risk of fatal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks, intersections, and shared pathways.
- Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and have minimal protection in the event of a collision. Speeding drivers pose a significant threat to motorcyclists, leading to severe injuries or fatal outcomes.
- Passengers: Passengers in vehicles driven by speeding individuals face increased risks. They have little control over the driver’s actions and are susceptible to the consequences of a speeding-related accident.
- Elderly Drivers and Pedestrians: Elderly drivers might have diminished reflexes and reaction times, making it challenging to evade speeding vehicles. Similarly, elderly pedestrians may face difficulty in crossing roads swiftly, increasing their vulnerability.
- School Zones and Residential Areas: Speeding in school zones and residential areas poses a direct threat to children and families. Their unpredictability and limited awareness heighten the risk of fatal accidents.
- Work Zones and Construction Sites: Workers in construction zones are exposed to the dangers of speeding vehicles. The high-speed environment increases the risk of accidents leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Wrongful Death Action After a Fatal Speeding Accident
While every injury claim is different, these steps are common in most wrongful death lawsuits:
- Legal Consultation: Engage a seasoned wrongful death attorney who specializes in fatal accident cases. Their knowledge and experience are pivotal in understanding your legal options and ensuring your rights are protected.
- Establishing Liability: Your attorney will establish the at-fault party’s negligence in causing the accident. Proving that their speeding behavior directly led to the fatal outcome is a cornerstone of your case.
- Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will help you compile a comprehensive range of evidence, including accident scene photographs, police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses. These pieces of evidence build a solid starting point for your lawsuit.
- Identifying Damages: An experienced lawyer will assess the full extent of damages caused by the loss of your loved one. This includes economic damages (funeral expenses, medical bills, lost financial support) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress).
- Negotiation or Mediation: In some cases, negotiation or mediation can lead to a settlement. Your attorney will advocate for a fair resolution that adequately compensates for the loss and the associated damages.
- Filing the Lawsuit: If negotiations fall through, your attorney will initiate the lawsuit by filing a wrongful death claim in the appropriate court. This formal document outlines the allegations against the defendant and the compensation sought.
- Expert Testimony: Your attorney will work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Their testimony strengthens a wrongful death case.
- Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange information and evidence during the discovery phase. This includes documents, witness depositions, and expert reports.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Address any legal matters or evidence disputes through pre-trial motions. Your attorney will handle these motions to ensure your case’s integrity.
- Verdict and Compensation: The judge or jury will render a verdict based on the evidence presented. If the case is decided in your favor, compensation will be awarded for the damages suffered due to the fatal accident.
Get Legal Representation from a Skilled and Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyer
The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Boyce Holleman & Associates possess a commitment that goes beyond the courtroom—it is our dedication to the well-being of clients and the pursuit of justice. Our approach is rooted in listening, understanding, and fighting for your cause with the respect and empathy you deserve and taking all possible steps to obtain the maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call us at 228-338-2691 or contact us online to set up your free and confidential consultation with our legal team.
