Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Houston and across Texas. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic, increases the severity of collisions, and puts everyone on the road at greater risk. If you have been involved in a car accident where speeding was a factor, you may be wondering how a speeding ticket could impact your case.
Whether you were the driver issued a speeding ticket or the victim of a crash caused by a speeding driver, traffic citations can play a significant role in determining liability, influencing insurance claims, and affecting the legal outcome of your case. Understanding the relationship between speeding tickets and car accident claims is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Caruthers Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases in Houston, including those involving speeding violations. We help accident victims navigate the legal complexities of their claims and fight for the financial recovery they need.
How Speeding Contributes to Car Accidents in Houston
Speeding increases the likelihood of a car accident for several reasons. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, their reaction time is reduced, making it more difficult to avoid collisions. Speeding also increases stopping distance, meaning that a driver traveling at high speeds may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash.
Some of the most common ways speeding contributes to accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: A speeding driver may be unable to stop in time and crash into the vehicle in front of them.
- Loss of vehicle control: Excessive speed makes it harder to maneuver around curves, corners, and obstacles, leading to single-vehicle accidents or multi-car pileups.
- T-bone accidents: Speeding drivers may run red lights or fail to yield at intersections, causing dangerous side-impact collisions.
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: A driver who is speeding may not have enough time to stop for pedestrians or cyclists crossing the street, leading to catastrophic injuries.
In Texas, speed limits are designed to promote road safety. However, many drivers ignore these limits, putting others at risk. If you were injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver, proving that their reckless behavior led to the crash is crucial for your claim.
How a Speeding Ticket Affects Liability in a Car Accident Case
In Texas, liability in car accidents is determined based on comparative negligence. This means that if one driver is found to be more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover damages. If both drivers share responsibility, the amount of compensation one can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault.
A speeding ticket can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a car accident claim. If the other driver was cited for speeding, it can support your argument that their reckless driving caused the accident. However, if you were the one who received a speeding ticket, the insurance company or opposing party may try to argue that your actions contributed to the crash.
If the Other Driver Received a Speeding Ticket
If the at-fault driver was cited for speeding, this can be a key piece of evidence in establishing their liability. A traffic citation serves as official documentation that the driver violated traffic laws, making it easier to prove negligence.
Your attorney can use the speeding ticket along with other evidence, such as:
- Witness statements confirming that the driver was speeding before the crash.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage showing reckless driving behavior.
- Accident reconstruction reports demonstrating how excessive speed contributed to the crash.
If you were injured due to another driver’s speeding, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
If You Received a Speeding Ticket
If you were issued a speeding ticket after an accident, it does not automatically mean you were at fault. However, it can complicate your case. The insurance company may argue that your speeding contributed to the crash, potentially reducing your compensation.
Your attorney can challenge these claims by:
- Presenting evidence that the other driver’s negligence played a larger role in the accident (e.g., running a red light, distracted driving, or failure to yield).
- Demonstrating that your speed was not the primary cause of the crash.
- Providing witness testimony or accident reconstruction reports that show the other driver was also responsible.
Even if you received a speeding ticket, you may still be entitled to compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong case.
How Insurance Companies Use Speeding Tickets Against You
Insurance companies look for any reason to deny or reduce accident claims. If you were issued a speeding ticket, they may argue that your actions contributed to the accident, even if the other driver was also at fault. Because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, insurance adjusters will attempt to assign as much blame as possible to you to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay. This means that even if the other driver was primarily responsible for the accident, your speeding ticket could be used to claim that you share liability, limiting your financial recovery.
Some tactics insurance companies use include:
- Claiming that your speeding was the main cause of the accident and that the other driver was not at fault. Insurance adjusters may argue that if you had been following the speed limit, you would have been able to stop in time to avoid the collision, regardless of what the other driver did. They may also use the ticket as evidence that you were driving recklessly, even if the accident occurred under different circumstances.
- Reducing your settlement amount based on comparative negligence laws. If an insurance company can prove that you were partially at fault, they will attempt to reduce your compensation proportionally. For example, if they argue you were 30 percent responsible for the crash, your total payout will be reduced by 30 percent, which could amount to thousands of dollars in lost compensation.
- Delaying the claims process by requesting additional documentation or investigations. Insurance companies may use a speeding ticket as an excuse to scrutinize your claim more closely, requiring excessive paperwork, witness statements, or expert opinions to prolong the process. Their hope is that you will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement rather than continue fighting.
- Using your ticket as leverage to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. Adjusters may suggest that because you received a ticket, your chances of winning a case in court are slim. This is a tactic designed to discourage you from pursuing a higher settlement or taking legal action. They may even offer you a quick, lowball settlement in hopes that you will take it without consulting an attorney.
This is why it is important to have an attorney handle communications with the insurance company. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not accept an unfair settlement. An experienced attorney will push back against these tactics, proving that the other driver’s negligence played a greater role in the accident and ensuring that your ticket does not unfairly diminish your compensation. Car accident cases can be complicated, and when speeding citations are involved, having strong legal representation is essential for securing the financial recovery you deserve.
What to Do if You Were in an Accident Involving Speeding
If you were involved in a car accident where speeding was a factor, taking the right steps can protect your claim and improve your chances of securing compensation. Even if you were not at fault, failing to properly document the accident and your injuries could weaken your case. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary evidence to support your claim and counter any unfair accusations of fault.
- Call 911 and Request a Police Report – A police report provides official documentation of the accident, including any citations issued for speeding. If the other driver was ticketed for speeding, this report could serve as key evidence in proving their liability. If you were cited for speeding, your attorney can analyze the report to determine if the ticket was justified and whether it can be challenged in court.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to develop. Getting medical treatment right away creates a record of your injuries. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but if you wait too long to seek treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident. Keep all medical records, receipts, and doctor’s notes to strengthen your claim.
- Document the Accident Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any traffic signals or signs. If possible, photograph the speed limit sign near the accident scene to establish whether speeding may have played a role. If your car’s speedometer froze upon impact, take a picture of it, as this could help determine how fast you were going at the time of the crash.
- Collect Witness Statements – If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information, as their testimony may be valuable in your case. Witnesses can provide independent accounts of what happened, including whether the other driver was speeding or driving recklessly. If the at-fault driver tries to deny liability, witness statements can help prove their negligence.
- Avoid Admitting Fault – Do not apologize or admit to any wrongdoing, as this can be used against you later. Even saying something as simple as “I was in a hurry” could be misinterpreted as an admission that you were speeding or driving irresponsibly. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police and other parties involved.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney – An attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Legal representation is especially important if you received a speeding ticket, as an experienced lawyer can argue against its impact on your claim and work to reduce any liability assigned to you.
By taking these steps, you increase your chances of receiving fair compensation and ensure that your case is built on strong, verifiable evidence. Accidents involving speeding are often complex, and insurance companies will try to shift blame whenever possible. Having an attorney on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the financial recovery you need.
How Caruthers Law Firm Can Help
At Caruthers Law Firm, we understand the challenges that car accident victims face, especially when speeding violations are involved. Insurance companies often use speeding tickets as an excuse to deny or reduce claims, but we know how to counter their arguments and ensure that your rights are protected. Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for you and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We conduct thorough investigations, gather strong evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling case. Whether you were injured by a speeding driver or need to defend yourself against claims of speeding, we are here to help. Our attorneys analyze every aspect of your case, from traffic camera footage and witness statements to police reports and vehicle damage assessments. We look beyond the surface to determine the true cause of the accident and prove who was at fault.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything unless we win your case. This allows you to seek legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. We handle all communications with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for the best possible outcome. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
If you have been involved in a car accident where speeding was a factor, do not navigate the legal process alone. The insurance company will try to use your speeding ticket against you, but with the right legal team, you can fight back. Contact Caruthers Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy,
Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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