In 2018, speeding was the cause of over 26% of all fatal traffic accidents in America, meaning 25 people a day were killed in the year. It’s no surprise either as due to their very nature, high-speed car crashes often have deadly consequences for those involved. High-speed car accidents happen for the same reasons other traffic accidents happen; distraction, drunk driving, and general human error, the only difference is the aftermath.
Defined by US law as ‘exceeding the speed limit’, a high-speed car crash is any accident that happens as a result of a vehicle driving at excessive speeds and loses control. These accidents often have a knock-on effect for family and friends too as they’re left with so many unanswered questions, having to handle the legal consequences of the accident.
As experienced accident attorneys, we’ve handled many high-speed car crash cases that have had a serious impact on families. Our article shares all the things you need to know about being involved in a high-speed accident.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been in a high-speed car crash. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor who can help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
At What Speed Can You Survive A High-Speed Car Crash?
Technically, you can survive an accident at both very slow and high-speeds but the chances of surviving injury the faster the vehicle is traveling is significantly reduced. We’ve represented crash cases where someone has tragically died being hit in a stationary vehicle with the other car going slow on impact but we’ve also been involved in high-speed crash cases where all drivers involved have survived.
Surviving a crash at any speed depends on many factors such as weather conditions, whether you were wearing a seatbelt, and sadly how old the vehicle is (was it equipped with newer safety features). That being said, many studies support the notion that the higher the speed, the greater chance of fatalities happening.
What Speed Do Most Car Crashes Happen?
In 2011, a study was conducted to understand and measure the survival rates in car accidents depending on the speed at which they happen. As a result, over 90% of people involved in an accident at 20mph or less survived the impact and the injuries sustained as a result. There has since been further research conducted by the National Center of Statistics, that states 70% of car crash fatalities happen on roads with a speed limit of 40mph. While it’s possible these accidents happen because drivers are breaking the speed limit, it also indicates that survival from a car crash is possible.
While you may think more high-speed car crashes happen in urban areas, only 45% of high-speed accidents happen in towns compared to 54% that occur in rural areas. And it would seem the time of day has an impact too, with 46% of high-speed crashes in rural areas happening at night. Another factor that could be considered in this instance is the time taken to get medical help may have an impact on survival in these cases. With more rural communities relying on passersby to notice an accident site or even witness it happening vs. no one passing at the time, the likelihood of surviving is then dramatically affected.
Life After A High-Speed Car Crash
If you or a family member have survived a high-speed car crash, chances are you’ll be living with long-term injuries that need ongoing medical attention. Life after a high-speed car crash is often stressful and can be traumatic for people as the extent of the injuries caused is life-changing. The injuries sustained are nearly always very serious and complex due to the very nature of a high-speed impact. People experience brain injuries, can lose limbs, or become paralyzed, changing their lifestyle and physical needs for the rest of their life.
If you’re looking for an experienced accident attorney to represent you or your family in a high-speed crash case, why not speak to us today.
Get Help Now
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries, including those from high-speed car crashes in the Phoenix area. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you have been in a high-speed car crash, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.