Driving too Fast in a Curve

As drivers, we have all probably travelled above a posted speed limit at some point. Sometimes, driving a little too fast is not as dangerous as in other instances driving too fast in a curve can be catastrophic. When drivers are navigating a curve or sharp turn, it is especially important to follow the imposed speed limit, or drive even more carefully, to avoid serious accidents and injuries to yourself or others. When a driver maneuvers a curve while driving too fast, and causes a collision, that driver can be held legally responsible for the harm caused. The Miami car accident attorneys of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon help victims of these types of crashes pursue the proper legal action necessary in the aftermath. Unfortunately, in the cases of debilitating, life-altering injuries, or times where an accident is fatal, victims and families left behind have expenses that insurance benefits cannot cover. Personal injury and wrongful death claims, therefore, are vital to ensuring these victims and families are able to not only physically and emotionally recover, but financially recover as well. The lawyers in our office offer seasoned and knowledgable legal representation for clients in and around South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you have questions regarding your legal options after being involved in a car accident, please contact our office today to set up a free consultation to learn more about our services and how we can help.

Curves or sharp turns not only are dangerous because drivers lack sight of oncoming traffic, that could lead to a head-on collision. If a driver is driving too fast in a curve, those turns can often be the scene of a devastating roll-over crash as well. Speeding vehicles are difficult to control in any situation, with stopping distance and reaction time being altered. This difficulty is increased when a driver negotiates a curve. Often, a speeding driver will understeer when approaching a curve, as they underestimate the need to maneuver it fully. Upon realizing the error, a driver will oversteer to correct their direction, which commonly causes the driver to lose control. When this loss of control leads to a collision with another vehicle, or injuries to a passenger, pedestrian, or other, the driver responsible can be held legally liable.

When a driver causes an accident because he or she has driven too fast for conditions, such as when maneuvering a curvature, they may be found negligent in a personal injury or wrongful death suit. Negligence refers to the burden of proof a plaintiff must show in order to hold a defendant legally liable for their harm. The elements of negligence are: (1) the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of reasonable care; (2) that duty was breached by the defendant’s actions; (3) those actions were a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury or death; and (4) damages resulted. Drivers owe all road users a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behind the wheel. It can be validly argued that if a driver takes on a curve going too fast, and then loses control of the vehicle, that is an unreasonable action, and therefore he or she is liable for any injuries that result in a collision. Determining speed, and therefore fault, in these types of collisions often means having accident reconstruction specialists involved as well as any witness accounts and other evidence to support your claim. Once negligence is established, victims injured in these types of accidents can receive compensation for medical costs, both already incurred as well as anticipated, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and, in some circumstances, pain and suffering damages. Families who have lost loved ones in a fatal collision may also recover burial and funeral expenses or loss of support.

Serious injuries such as broken bones, paralysis, traumatic brain injury can be caused by a driver who does not appropriately account for his speed when navigating a sharp curve. When that happens, that driver should bear the financial burden of a victims’ injury. The Miami lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon have vast experience helping clients receive the compensation they need and are entitled to. Please call our office at 877.499.4878 or contact us online if you have questions regarding your legal rights after a collision. You can set up a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about your potential claims.