Many drivers of small vehicles and commercial trucks alike speed. Truck drivers may speed because of the following:
Tight schedules and deadlines. Pressure to meet delivery timelines can lead truck drivers to exceed speed limits to cover more distance in less time.
Compensation-based incentives. Some drivers may receive incentives for faster deliveries, creating an incentive to drive at excessive speeds.
Lack of enforcement. Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of speed limits in certain regions can contribute to a culture of speeding among truck drivers.
Whatever a commercial driver’s reasons for speeding, failing to follow the speed limit can affect the well-being and safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Below, we discuss how speeding can affect drivers and the types of accidents speeding can cause.
How Speeding Plays a Role in Truck Accidents
Speeding is a significant contributing factor to truck accidents, resulting in severe consequences for both the drivers involved and other road users. Here are some of the potential risk factors created by excessive speed:
Increased stopping distance. Trucks traveling at high speeds require a longer distance to come to a halt, making it challenging to avoid collisions.
Reduced maneuverability. Speeding limits a truck driver's ability to maneuver safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents during turns, lane changes, or sudden obstructions.
Decreased reaction time. Higher speeds reduce the time available for drivers to react to unexpected situations, making it harder to avoid accidents.
Types of Collisions Often Caused by Speeding
Speeding can significantly increase the risk of various types of crashes, endangering not only the driver but also other road users. The different types of collisions commonly caused by speeding include:
Rear-end collisions. As we mentioned, when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, it requires a longer stopping distance. This increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, especially when the driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
Side-swipe crashes. If a driver is speeding, they have an increased chance of side-swiping a vehicle while changing lanes or trying to pass or overtake a vehicle.
Head-on collisions. Excessive speed greatly diminishes a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, such as avoiding head-on collisions by safely maneuvering out of the way.
Intersection collisions. Speeding increases the likelihood of running red lights or stop signs, leading to dangerous intersection collisions.
Loss of control-related crashes. When driving above the speed limit, vehicles become more difficult to control, especially in adverse weather conditions or on curves and bends.
High-Speed Collisions Can Have Serious Consequences
Some of the potential consequences of speeding-related truck accidents include:
Severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures. The force of impact increases exponentially with speed. Even small increases in speed can lead to significantly higher levels of kinetic energy during a collision. Because of the increased force, the accident itself can be more severe. Higher speeds also reduce the effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities.
Long-term disabilities require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Some severe injuries like organ damage, TBIs, and spinal cord damage can have long-term effects on the individual's physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
Loss of life, leading to devastating emotional and economic impacts on families and communities. As we mentioned, these accidents are often more severe. Because of the devastating injuries or the crash itself, those involved may lose their life.
Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
At Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law, our personal injury attorney can offer clients support and legal counsel in a truck accident case. Some of the ways our team can offer support involve the:
Investigation. Our attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the trucking accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.
Liability determination. Our attorney will determine who is at fault for the accident by examining factors such as driver negligence, vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.
Case strength. By leveraging their legal expertise, our attorney can build a strong case on behalf of the victim, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts if necessary.
Negotiations. Our team has experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Damages calculations. We will assess the full extent of a victim's injuries, including physical, emotional, and financial damages, in order to pursue appropriate compensation.
Communication with opposing counsel. We will handle all communication with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and any other parties involved, ensuring that the victim's rights are protected.
Lawsuit. If necessary, our attorney will file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim, ensuring that all legal deadlines and requirements are met.
Trial representation. In the event that the case goes to trial, our attorney can provide skilled representation, presenting the victim's case before a judge and jury.
Compensation maximization. Ultimately, the goal of a personal injury attorney is to maximize the compensation received by the victim, taking into account all past, present, and future damages resulting from the trucking accident.
Schedule a free case evaluation by calling (505) 219-2176.