There are over 30 known causes of accidents in New Jersey, but speeding alone contributes to 28% of all fatalities that occur. In other words, all the others make up about 2.5% if you were to distribute the remaining fatalities equally. For this reason, it is important to understand the dangers associated with speeding and how you can prevent it from happening to you and your loved ones.
How speeding causes fatal accidents
When the New Jersey Department of Transportation is posting speed limits, they consider factors such as traffic, road conditions, collision history and proximity to schools, parks, and residential areas. They expect that in case of an emergency while driving at the set speed you will likely be able to stop or react in time to prevent an accident.
However, when you exceed the speed limit, it increases the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle and reduces the amount of reaction time that you have if something unexpected were to happen on the road. Besides that, speeding also increases the impact force during a collision, making injuries more severe and fatalities more likely. It also limits the effectiveness of safety mechanisms such as airbags and seatbelts.
When a speeding accident occurs
It is crucial to mention that New Jersey is among the 12 states that have implemented no-fault insurance laws. In the event of motor vehicle accidents, the insurance company of each party is responsible for covering their own medical expenses and damages regardless of who is at fault.
However, you can file a lawsuit against the other party if you can prove that their negligence or recklessness caused the accident. This is particularly necessary when the extent of injuries and damages exceed the limits of your insurance coverage.
While you can’t control what other drivers do on the road, you can take steps to ensure your safety and prevent fatal accidents. Doing so may also help you avoid the legal and financial consequences of a speeding accident.
