Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in San Mateo and across California. Motor vehicles are harder to control at faster speeds, which not only increases the risk of accidents but also makes the consequences deadlier. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a speeding driver, you have the right to demand that they compensate you for the harm you suffered because of their careless or even reckless actions. Drivers involved in fatal and injury crashes caused by speeding may face serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil liability. In cases of fatal speeding accidents, only certain eligible family members may bring wrongful death actions.

The San Mateo speeding accident attorneys at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP can fight on your behalf while you heal. Our speeding car accident lawyers handle all the legal details, from documenting the crash and your injuries to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing your case for trial. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve and do so at no upfront cost to you. You don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation, so call now at (650) 367-6811 for a free consultation.

Why Choose Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP for a Speeding Accident Case?

With over 40 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, you can trust Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP to aggressively guard your interests after a speeding accident. We choose our clients selectively to make sure you receive comprehensive support, a tailored legal strategy, and aggressive advocacy in and out of the courtroom. We make the legal process as painless as possible so you can focus on healing.

If you want a better sense of how we operate and the results we’ve achieved, here’s what one past client said about their experience with us:

“Want to share my great experience! Attorney Joshua Henderson and his team did a truly fantastic job. My mother and I were in a serious car accident, and the police faulted both me and the other driver for causing it, which complicated the matter. Despite this obstacle, Mr. Henderson secured a $1.5 million settlement before the defendant even filed an answer to our lawsuit. His team guided me throughout the process and made sure that I understood what information I needed to provide. Case was completed in a timely manner for both my mother and me. I cannot give a higher recommendation for Mr. Henderson!” — Galyna T.

How a San Mateo Speeding Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Claim

At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we handle every part of a speeding accident claim for you. We start by building a clear record of what happened and collecting evidence showing how the other driver’s excess speed caused your injuries. This process may include reviewing police reports, analyzing crash details, and interviewing witnesses to strengthen your position. We also work with crash reconstruction analysts and other experts when necessary to explain what caused a collision and the severity of your injuries.

We handle communication with the insurance companies and push for fair compensation that reflects your medical costs, lost income, and the impact of your injuries. Insurers often try to limit payouts, so we move quickly and rely on detailed evidence to support your claim.

If settlement discussions stall or an insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, our San Mateo car accident lawyers prepare your case for court and present a clear argument to the judge or jury. You receive direct guidance at every stage, and we help you make informed decisions about each step of your claim.

How Exceeding Posted Speed Limits Causes Car Accidents

Some ways that speeding makes car accidents more likely include:

  • Reduced reaction times: Speeding drivers have far less time to respond when traffic slows, vehicles change lanes, or a hazard enters the roadway. High speeds remove the margin needed for safe adjustments. Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards, especially those involving other drivers.
  • Longer stopping distances: A vehicle moving at high speed requires more distance to slow down and come to a complete stop. This factor increases the risks of a crash in heavy traffic, at intersections, and in areas with frequent stops.
  • Loss of vehicle control: Speeding raises the risk of skidding, sliding, or rolling, especially on curves, wet pavement, or uneven surfaces. High speed reduces stability and limits the driver’s ability to correct mistakes. Higher speeds and excessive speeding reduce vehicle stability and increase the risk of fatal crashes.
  • Limited visibility: A speeding driver has less time to see hazards ahead, shortening the window to identify pedestrians, cyclists, stalled vehicles, or debris.
  • Difficulty handling changing conditions: Speeding strains a car’s tires, brakes, and suspension components. This strain increases the risk of losing control in traffic, construction zones, and heavy weather.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Speeding Driver

Assuming you’ve already reported the crash to the police and sought medical attention, follow these steps to protect your health and rights after a collision with a speeding driver:

  • Document your injuries: Keep records of every symptom, appointment, and treatment. Update your notes as your condition changes so you can show a clear picture of how the crash affected you.
  • Preserve accident evidence: Save photos, videos, and damaged property. Store everything in one place so you can share it with our personal injury lawyers when necessary.
  • Avoid discussing fault with insurers: Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements to limit compensation. Provide only basic information and direct further questions to our lawyers.
  • Track your expenses: Keep receipts and paperwork for medical care, transportation, and any other crash-related costs. These records help strengthen your claim.
  • Follow your treatment plan: Attend follow-up appointments and complete any recommended therapy or testing. Gaps in care may hurt your ability to prove the seriousness of your injuries.
  • Consult our lawyers early in the process: We help you understand each step, gather important evidence, and communicate with insurers. Early guidance helps you avoid mistakes that can weaken your claim.

What Qualifies as “Speeding” in a California Car Accident Case?

A driver speeds any time they travel so fast that they create an unreasonable safety risk. Speed limits are established based on thorough analyses of road conditions, traffic patterns, and safety data.

Speeding includes exceeding posted limits on city streets, highways, and residential areas. Speeding also includes driving too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions, even when the driver stays below the posted limit. For example, heavy traffic, sharp curves, construction zones, wet pavement, and limited visibility all require slower speeds.

Who Is Liable for a Speeding Accident?

The driver who chose to speed is typically primarily responsible for a collision. Their decision to ignore posted limits or drive too fast for conditions creates a clear safety risk. At-fault drivers may face civil lawsuits for damages caused by speeding accidents, in addition to other legal consequences such as fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges. Law enforcement officers play a crucial role in enforcing speed limits and investigating speeding accidents to determine responsibility. However, some cases involve more than one liable party.

For example, a vehicle or parts manufacturer may share responsibility if defective brakes, tires, or other components reduced a driver’s ability to slow down or maintain control. Similarly, a repair shop may bear some fault if it performed substandard work that affected the vehicle’s braking or steering. Our speed-related accident lawyers can investigate and identify everyone responsible for your injuries.

How Do You Prove the At-Fault Driver Was Speeding?

Evidence in a California speeding accident claim might include:

  • Crash scene photographs: Clear images of skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle positions help accident reconstruction experts assess each vehicle’s travel speed when the crash occurred and determine whether the other driver was moving too fast for the roadway.
  • Dash or traffic camera footage: Video recordings can show the driver’s pace relative to surrounding traffic, how quickly the driver approached the point of impact, and whether the driver ignored changing conditions.
  • Event data recorder information: Many modern vehicles store speed, braking activity, and throttle use in a device called an event data recorder. This information can help confirm a car’s rapid acceleration, delayed braking, or speed that exceeded safe levels.
  • Speed safety camera and enforcement data: Speed safety cameras and other enforcement tools can be used to prove speeding violations.
  • Witness statements: People who saw the crash can describe how fast the driver was traveling, whether they were weaving through traffic, and how the driver’s actions compared to the normal flow of vehicles.
  • Vehicle damage reports: The type and extent of damage to a car often help experts estimate impact speed. For instance, severe front-end or side damage often indicates a high-speed collision.
  • Police reports: Officers responding to a crash scene typically document roadway evidence, driver behavior, and any statements from the drivers involved. The officer’s observations can help connect one driver’s excess speed to the cause of the crash.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Speeding Crash with Severe Injuries?

With the right evidence and proper legal support, your compensation for a speeding accident could include money for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages while you heal
  • Reduced future earnings due to your injuries or a long-term disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Damaged personal property

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Speeding-Related Accident in California?

Under California law, you usually have two years (2) from the date of a speeding accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver or any other liable parties. However, vital evidence can disappear or deteriorate long before that deadline, so it’s best to contact a speed-related accident lawyer immediately after the collision.

Contact a San Mateo Speeding Accident Lawyer Today

Given your limited window to take legal action after a speeding accident, contacting an experienced attorney immediately is vital for maximizing your chances of a successful claim. Call Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP today at (650) 367-6811 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.