Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in California. When drivers exceed the speed limit—or drive too fast for road and weather conditions—they put everyone around them at risk. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by speeding, you may be entitled to compensation. But how exactly does liability work in these cases?
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we help accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Speeding Is So Dangerous
Speeding doesn’t just mean breaking the posted speed limit. It includes driving too fast for the conditions—such as during rain, traffic congestion, or poor visibility. Speeding increases:
- Stopping distance – A car going 70 mph takes far longer to stop than one going 55 mph.
- Impact force – Higher speeds mean more severe injuries when a collision occurs.
- Reaction time – Drivers have less time to respond to hazards, pedestrians, or sudden stops.
Because of these factors, speeding is often considered reckless and negligent behavior under California law.
How Liability Is Determined in Speeding Accidents
Establishing liability requires proving that the at-fault driver’s speeding directly caused or contributed to the crash. Key factors include:
- Traffic laws – California Vehicle Code §22350 (the “Basic Speed Law”) requires drivers to travel at a safe speed for conditions, not just within the posted limit.
- Evidence of speeding – Police reports, accident reconstruction, skid marks, witness testimony, dashcam or traffic camera footage can all show that a driver was speeding.
- Comparative fault – California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. Even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If a speeding driver is found 80% at fault, and you were 20% at fault for distracted driving, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Common Injuries in Speeding-Related Crashes
Because speeding accidents usually involve higher impact forces, injuries are often severe, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require long-term medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering—damages you have a right to claim.
Holding Speeding Drivers Accountable
Insurance companies often try to downplay or deny that speeding was the cause. At WIN Trial Lawyers, we build strong cases by:
- Investigating the accident scene immediately
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Subpoenaing surveillance, dashcam, or black box data
- Proving the full impact of your injuries and losses
Our team is relentless in making sure insurers and negligent drivers are held fully responsible.
Protect Your Rights with WIN Trial Lawyers
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we know how devastating distracted driving accidents can be. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our team has successfully taken on insurance companies and distracted drivers, recovering millions for injured clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a speeding-related car accident, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. You need experienced trial lawyers who know how to prove liability and fight for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t face this alone. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
