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Failure to control speed is a significant factor in many Texas car accidents. In fact, in 2019, at least 25,545 crashes were caused by speeding.
If you have been in a car accident involving speeding in Texas, know that your case is not uncommon. If you have questions about what to do after a Texas car accident caused by speeding, contact a professional car accident lawyer.
In this article, we will explain how failure to control speed can lead to accidents, how much speeding tickets cost, and what a car accident lawyer can do for you if another driver speeding leads to your car accident.
What Is Failure To Control Speed?
The Texas Transportation Code 545.351 declares that a person:
“An operator: may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for actual and potential hazards then existing; and shall control the speed of the vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with another person or vehicle that is on or entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty of each person to use due care.”
If a person drives over the limit and loses control of their vehicle, they have broken the law. This failure is a violation of the duty of care one must show to others on the road.
In such a situation, anyone who speeds will be held responsible for their failure to show care. In the case of an accident, they may be held primarily responsible for damages and injuries to others.
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How Much Is A Ticket For Failure To Control Speed In Texas?
The cost of a ticket for failure to control speed varies by county in Texas. In Tarrant County, near Fort Worth, Texas, a typical fine for speeding ranges between $1 and $200.
A driver going 3 miles over the speed limit, a Texas driver can be fined $146. From there, the amount of tickets increases steadily. Driving 25 miles or more over the speed limit can result in a fine of $297.
A variety of factors influence the cost of a ticket. These include:
- The speed limit of the area you were driving in.
- How many miles per hour you drove over the speed limit.
- If you were speeding in a school zone or construction zone.
- If there were any environmental factors influencing the safety of driving conditions, such as water or ice on the road.
- If you committed any other crimes or misdemeanors while speeding.
How Does Failure To Control Speed Affect My Personal Injury Claim?
Your personal injury claim can be affected if you are found guilty of speeding and this was contributing factor in your car accident. An officer may issue a citation to either driver involved in an accident if they were found to be speeding.
Whether or not you were speeding will make a difference to your personal injury car accident claim. If you were found to be speeding, this may lead to you receiving a higher percentage of fault. In Texas, any claims for damages made will be reduced by the percentage of fault each driver holds in the accident.
If you plead guilty to speeding voluntarily, this evidence can be held against you if you are taken to court.
This works the same for the other driver as well. If the other driver was speeding and was convicted but did not plead guilty for speeding, you will not be able to bring this ticket as evidence against him.
If the other driver pleads guilty to speeding and it lead to a car accident, your car accident attorney will likely bring this as evidence and require the jury to take this into consideration.
This piece of evidence may make it easier for you to gain the compensation you deserve from your accident. You can claim that the other driver’s reckless speeding resulted in you having to endure:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Extensive injuries and medical expenses
- Emotional distress
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Failing To Control Speed Can Lead To A Car Accident
Those who drive over the speed limit often fail to control the movements of their vehicle if an obstacle or another vehicle is in the way.
If you were in a car or motorcycle accident caused by speeding, whether the speeding was on your part or the part of another driver, you are not alone. Many have struggled through the same situation before.
The best thing to do after a speeding accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer from Patterson Law Group. Our expert car accident attorneys have years of experience working with car accident victims in speeding related car accidents. We can help you collect the necessary records to make a successful personal injury claim, and guide you step-by-step through the process.
We will help ensure that justice is done for you after your crash. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Patterson Law Group for a free case evaluation. We will help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
