According to experts, speeding is believed to be a factor in nearly 50 percent of car accidents across the nation. Some believe these estimates are low because speeding often requires drivers to self-report their actions after a crash, and many at-fault drivers are unwilling to admit traveling faster than authorized by law. Additionally, many accidents do not have independent witnesses to help police determine exactly what happened, leading to the possibility of a “he said, she said” situation between the drivers involved.
Officials in Chicago have attempted to address speeding drivers in several different ways. Patrols in areas known for speeding have been increased and attempts have been made to enforce posted limits. Recently, the city has turned to the use of speed cameras at some intersections. These cameras can monitor the speed of individual vehicles traveling in the camera’s visual field and determine which drivers are breaking the speed laws. Photographic evidence of the car and/or the driver can then be used by local police to issue tickets, where appropriate.
So far, the presence of speed cameras have been fairly limited. Today, though, additional speed cameras will go live, marking a remote starting point for speed enforcement in a number of areas, including high-traffic locations.
Some residents have been critical of speed cameras because many believe that the cameras are designed to raise revenues for the City of Chicago through the use of traffic citations, instead of being focused on increasing safety and decreasing collisions. But if the cameras function as intended, safe, law abiding drivers should benefit from greater safety as speeders are punished.
Speed limits are determined by the design of a given street, the traffic in the area, the nature of the intersections, as well as the type of buildings surrounding the road. Driving faster than authorized means that a driver will need a greater distance to slow or stop a vehicle for a red light, stop sign, or other traffic hazard. Additionally, speeding reduces the time a driver has to react to a change in traffic conditions like an accident ahead of them or a lane that is closed due to construction. In turn, this can cause a collision.
When a speeding driver causes an accident in Chicago and one or more people involved are injured, the victims of that crash may be entitled to seek relief for their damages. In many cases, this can include payment for medical expenses incurred and likely to be incurred in the future, lost wages for time missed from work, and pain and suffering endured due to the injuries caused by the crash. If you are unsure of your legal rights, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand whether you have a valid claim and whether you are entitled to relief.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all injury victims deserve a free case consultation and we offer one to anyone who calls us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call and to help answer your questions. There is no obligation for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
If you have been injured due to the actions of another, do not keep suffering alone. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Pedestrian in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 24, 2014.