When you drive on California roads, you see speed limit signs everywhere. Those signs are not just suggestions; they are rules designed to keep people safe. Driving too fast may feel fun or get you where you want to go more quickly, but speeding can lead to accidents, injuries, and serious legal problems. Keep reading to learn how a California car accident lawyer can help you if you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a speeding vehicle.
Why Do Speed Limits Exist?
Speed limits exist to keep everyone safe on the road. When people drive at a reasonable speed, they have more time to react. That means they can stop faster or move out of the way if something unexpected happens—like an animal running into the street or another driver changing lanes suddenly. If you are driving too fast, you might not see a hazard in time, and an accident could occur.
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What Is the Basic Speed Law in California?
California has a rule called the Basic Speed Law, found in California Vehicle Code Section 22350. This law says you cannot drive faster than what is reasonable or prudent for the conditions. That includes things like weather, visibility, traffic, and the size of the road. The law also says you cannot drive at a speed that endangers people or property.
In simple terms, it means:
- Pay Attention to the Road: If it is raining or if there is heavy traffic, you might need to go slower than the posted speed limit.
- Be Safe: Never drive so fast that you risk hurting yourself or others.
Even if the sign says you can go 65 miles per hour, you should slow down if there is thick fog or you are in a busy area. The law wants you to be careful and use common sense.
What Are the Different Speed Limits in California?
The state sets different speed limits for different places. For example:
- Residential Areas: Sometimes, the limit is around 25 or 30 miles per hour.
- Business Districts: Speeds may be lower to protect people walking or crossing streets.
- Highways and Freeways: Often, you will see 65 or 70 miles per hour. Some places allow 55 mph if you are towing a trailer or driving a truck.
Courts have said these limits exist to reduce accidents. If you ignore the speed sign and drive too fast, you can face tickets or even bigger consequences if there is a crash.
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Can Speeding Lead to Negligence Per Se?
Sometimes, a driver who speeds and causes a crash can be considered negligent per se. This basically means the act of breaking the speed limit is seen as being negligent on its face. If you violate speed laws and injure someone, the court might not need more proof to show you were at fault. However, you can still argue that you had a good reason for speeding, but that is usually difficult to prove.
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What Happens If You Do Not Follow the Speed Limit in California?
In California, speeding can lead to:
- Tickets and Fines: You may have to pay money if you drive over the speed limit. The faster you go over the limit, the bigger your ticket can be.
- Points on Your License: Too many points can lead to a suspended license.
- Higher Insurance Costs: Insurance companies often raise rates if you have speeding tickets.
- Criminal Charges: Extreme speeding (like going over 100 mph) can lead to bigger fines, possible license suspension, and even jail time in some severe cases.
- Negligence Lawsuits: If you cause an accident while speeding, you can be sued for damages. You might have to pay medical bills, lost wages, or other costs for the people you hurt.
Remember, the speed limit is not just about avoiding a ticket—it is also about keeping yourself and others safe.
How Does Speeding Relate to Car Accidents?
Speeding is one of the top causes of car crashes. When you drive too fast, you have:
- Less Reaction Time: You cannot stop in time if a car in front of you decelerates suddenly.
- Reduced Car Control: Going fast makes it harder to handle curves or steer quickly around obstacles.
- More Severe Impact: The faster you go, the harder the impact of a crash is. That can lead to more serious injuries and bigger repair bills.
Why Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer?
Even if you are a careful driver, accidents do happen. If you are hurt by someone speeding, you might face:
- Medical Bills: Doctor visits, hospital stays, rehab, or therapy.
- Lost Wages: Time off work while you recover.
- Pain and Suffering: Injuries can cause lasting pain or emotional distress.
A California car accident lawyer can help you figure out if you can seek compensation. They understand the laws about speeding (like § 22350 of the California Vehicle Code). An attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Should You Hire BANA LAW?
At BANA LAW, we focus on helping injured people all across California. Our team understands the laws about speeding and personal injury. If someone else’s speeding caused your accident, you should not be left with unpaid bills or lasting injuries without support.
Here is how we help:
- Free Consultation: We will listen to your story and give initial advice at no cost.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We advance all case costs, so you do not pay unless we successfully recover money for you.
- We Come to You: If you cannot travel, we will visit you to discuss your case.
- 24/7 Availability: Our phone lines are open around the clock to serve you.
Ready to Talk? Contact Us Today!
Speed limits protect you, your family, and everyone else on the road. Sticking to them may seem simple, but it can prevent accidents and save lives. If you have been in a crash with a speeding driver, let us help. Call BANA LAW anytime, day or night. Hablamos Español. We proudly serve all of California.
Remember: Injuries unravel your life—we piece it back together. Call 855-997-6599 today or contact us online to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION and see how our dedicated team can stand by you every step of the way!
"We use over 100 years of combined legal experience to help our clients get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances."
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