Car accidents caused by speeding are some of the most serious on West Virginia’s roadways. Within the state, speeding has also become a real problem. In 2023, speeding-related fatalities increased by 18 percent, with 85 deaths in 2023 compared to 72 the year before. Not only is speeding a very dangerous driving behavior, but it is also against the law. Below, our West Virginia car accident attorney outlines the dangers of speeding and the penalties negligent drivers will face.
What are the Speeding Laws in West Virginia?
The speeding laws are outlined in the West Virginia Code §17C-6-1. Absolute speed limits are posted on the roads, and if a driver exceeds those speeds, they violate the law. Unless otherwise posted, the absolute speed limits in the state are as follows:
- 15 miles per hour in school zones if children are present
- 25 miles per hour in residential and business districts
- 55 miles per hour on highways
In addition to the absolute speed limits in the state, West Virginia also has basic speed limits. The law on basic speed limits stipulates that motorists must not drive at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under existing conditions and the potential and actual hazards. For example, if a motorist is approaching a wide bend in the road, a railroad crossing, or is driving in a snowstorm, they are expected to slow down and drive at a reasonable speed.
When drivers violate the speeding laws, law enforcement will issue them a ticket, and they must then pay a fine. However, certain school zone violations and repeat offenders may even face jail time.
Why Do Drivers Speed in West Virginia?
The simple truth is that most drivers will speed at some time in their lives. There are many reasons motorists violate this basic traffic law, and they include:
- Congested traffic: When traffic is congested, many motorists drive aggressively, which includes speeding. These drivers often want to drive just a bit faster than everyone else to get where they are going.
- Running late: Drivers who are late for work or dropping their children off at school, or even delivery drivers who are behind in their schedules, may speed.
- Anonymity: Drivers sometimes feel that they can push the limits of speed when they are driving because the very act of driving is fairly anonymous. Speeding motorists know that other drivers will never see them or get to know them on a personal level.
- Impaired driving: Impaired drivers often do not realize how fast they are going when they speed.
- Distracted drivers: Drivers who send emails, text, or talk on their cell phones while behind the wheel may also not realize they are speeding and posing a real danger on the road.
- Teenage drivers: Teenage drivers are often focused on the thrill of driving or talking to friends in the vehicle, to fully understand the dangers that speeding poses.
Why are Speeding Car Accidents So Dangerous?
The speed limits in West Virginia are intended to prevent accidents. Speed limits are based on traffic patterns, road design, potential hazards, and local laws. Speed limits establish safe operating speeds that allow motorists to react to unexpected hazards, control their vehicles, and avoid crashes. When drivers violate the speed limits in the state, they compromise their ability to react to the changing road and traffic conditions.
Speeding is not only one of the most common causes of car accidents, but it also increases the severity of crashes. The dangers of car accidents caused by speeding are as follows:
- Substantially intensifies the force of a crash
- Causes significantly more property damage
- Increases the risk of serious injuries
- Increases the risk of fatalities in a crash
- Encourages other motorists to speed and engage in other risky driving behaviors
- Extends braking distances
- Reduces vehicle control
- Compromises safety features on vehicles
- Slows drivers’ reaction times
Common Injuries Caused by Speeding
Due to the increased force of accidents when drivers speed, the resulting injuries are typically much more serious. The most common injuries caused by speeding include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
- Broken bones, which often require surgery to correct
- Spinal cord injuries, such as slipped discs and fractured vertebrae
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and torn ligaments
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputations
At times, car accidents caused by speeding are so severe that accident victims do not survive them. In the worst of cases, speeding can cause wrongful death.
How to Prevent Speeding Car Accidents
Car accidents caused by speeding are entirely preventable. Some of the best ways to avoid causing this type of crash and being held liable are as follows:
- Leave early so you have ample time to get where you are going.
- When planning your route, always consider the weather, rush hour, and traffic conditions.
- Use features in your vehicle, such as cruise control, to keep you at the same speed.
- Always watch for potential hazards and changes in the speed limit.
- Stay in the right lane if other drivers are speeding.
Areas We Serve
Our experienced attorneys serve clients throughout West Virginia. Some of the ZIP codes we practice in are as follows:
- 26104
- 26003
- 24701
- 24740
- 25301
- 25302
- 25303
- 25304
- 25420
- 25421
- 25427
- 25428
Regardless of where you are in the state, we can help you file a claim if you have been involved in a crash due to a speeding motorist.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in West Virginia for Help Today
If you have been hurt by a speeding driver, our West Virginia car accident lawyer can help. At Kaufman & McPherson, our experienced attorneys can collect the evidence you need to prove the other driver was speeding so you can hold them accountable for paying the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
