Solo Driver Killed in Accident

A crash along San Juan Road has claimed the life of a woman believed to be in her late 20s.

According to police reports, the crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. and involved only the solo driver and her vehicle. Police concluded that the woman was heading west along San Juan Road when, for unknown reasons, she crossed over into the eastbound lane. The woman appears to have over-corrected and hit a curb. This caused her vehicle to leave the road and strike a tree.

There were no witnesses to the accident, but neighbors, upon hearing the crash, called police. The woman was the sole occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Investigators have yet to determine if speed, drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash. Neighbors claim that many drivers speed through that area, and suspect that excessive speed may have been a factor in this crash.

Speeding-Related Accidents

The dangers and repercussions of speeding are well-known to most drivers. From getting a ticket to being involved in an accident, drivers are usually aware that speed is dangerous and can have serious results. However, despite this universal knowledge, people continue to speed. In 2011, 9,944 people were killed in speeding-related accidents in the United States, nearly 31 percent of all accident fatalities that year.

Though many people think that car accidents that result in personal injury cases center on drunk drivers, there are many other factors that can contribute to an accident. If an individual who was speeding and therefore driving recklessly hit another vehicle and injured or killed someone, the speeding driver could be held responsible. Speed is an important component when determining fault in an accident. In fact, speeding occurs in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes, and is the third leading factor of traffic accident causes behind distracted driving and impaired driving.

Personal Injury Cases Involving Speeding

According to the legal concept of “duty of care,” each person has a responsibility to avoid causing harm to another. In a personal injury claim or lawsuit, this doctrine is used to show that the defendant disregarded the safety of others by acting negligently. Speeding, which is breaking the law, is a form of negligence. Once this breach of the law is established, the plaintiff can then settle or go to court in an effort to receive compensation for damages. Most cases like this do not end up in court and are negotiated between the two parties and their personal injury attorneys. Of those that are tried in court, there must be important mitigating circumstances to convince a jury that a speeding driver is not at fault for an accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent speeding or reckless actions of another driver, seek the help of a personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected and you have the best chance of receiving compensation for damages.