Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react, making collisions more severe and more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities. Despite strict traffic laws, speeding remains a common problem on highways and city streets, putting countless motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a speeding-related accident in Phoenix, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. At Torgenson Law, we help accident victims understand their legal rights and fight for the financial recovery they deserve. Our team of experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives after devastating crashes.
Speeding is more than just a traffic violation—it is reckless behavior that significantly increases the likelihood of a serious accident. When a driver speeds, they reduce their ability to stop suddenly, maneuver safely, and react to hazards on the road. Higher speeds also increase the force of impact in a crash, making injuries more severe and damage more extensive.
Speeding drivers have less time to respond to obstacles, sudden stops, or changes in traffic conditions. When a car is traveling at a high speed, even a one-second delay in reaction time can be the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophic collision.
The faster a vehicle is moving, the longer it takes to stop. For example, a car traveling at 40 mph takes about 118 feet to come to a complete stop, while a car traveling at 60 mph needs 240 feet or more. This increased stopping distance can lead to rear-end collisions, especially in heavy traffic or at intersections.
High speeds make it harder for drivers to maintain control, particularly in poor weather conditions, on wet roads, or around sharp turns. A speeding driver may lose control of their vehicle, leading to rollover crashes or head-on collisions.
Speeding increases the force of impact in an accident, making injuries far more severe. High-speed crashes often result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and broken bones. The faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the greater the risk of fatalities.
Speeding accidents in Phoenix happen for many reasons, but driver negligence is almost always a contributing factor. Some of the most common causes include:
Some drivers intentionally speed as part of reckless or aggressive behavior, weaving through traffic, tailgating, or cutting off other vehicles. Aggressive driving increases the chances of a serious accident, especially on Phoenix highways like Interstate 10, Loop 101, and State Route 51.
Many drivers speed because they are in a hurry to reach their destination. Whether rushing to work, an appointment, or an event, speeding drivers put everyone around them at risk by disregarding traffic laws and safety precautions.
Illegal street racing is a growing problem in Phoenix, especially in certain areas with long, open roads. Racing at extreme speeds significantly increases the risk of multi-vehicle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and fatalities.
A speeding driver who is also texting, using a GPS, or engaging in other distractions is even more dangerous. When a driver is not fully focused on the road, their ability to react to sudden hazards is significantly reduced.
Speeding combined with alcohol or drug impairment makes for a deadly combination. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty controlling their vehicles, increasing the risk of high-speed crashes.
Speeding on wet, icy, or poorly maintained roads increases the risk of losing control. In Phoenix, unexpected rainstorms can create hazardous driving conditions, and speeding on slick roads can lead to dangerous skidding and hydroplaning accidents.
New drivers, especially teenagers, are more likely to underestimate the dangers of speeding and overestimate their ability to control a vehicle. Inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary skills to handle high speeds, properly judge distances, or react appropriately in emergencies. Speeding combined with inexperience increases the likelihood of rollover crashes, rear-end collisions, and loss-of-control accidents.
Speeding accidents often occur at night when visibility is reduced, and drivers may be more fatigued or less attentive. Poorly lit roads make it harder to judge distances, identify curves, and spot hazards. Drivers who speed at night may also have a higher likelihood of encountering impaired or drowsy motorists, further increasing the risk of an accident.
Many speeding accidents in Phoenix happen because drivers fail to adjust their speed to match traffic congestion or construction zones. High-speed driving in stop-and-go traffic can lead to chain-reaction crashes, especially when drivers follow too closely or fail to brake in time. Construction areas require reduced speeds, but some drivers ignore warning signs, putting road workers and other motorists at risk.
Determining liability in a speeding accident in Phoenix requires a thorough investigation. While the speeding driver is often at fault, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash.
In most cases, the driver who was exceeding the speed limit will be held primarily responsible for the accident. Arizona law considers speeding a form of negligence, making the speeding driver liable for any injuries or damages caused.
If multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, more than one driver may share liability. For example, if another driver was following too closely, changing lanes unsafely, or driving while distracted, they may also be partially at fault.
In some cases, poor road maintenance, missing traffic signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals contribute to speeding-related accidents. If a city or state agency failed to maintain safe road conditions, they may be held liable for damages. However, filing a claim against a government entity requires specific legal procedures and deadlines, making it essential to have an experienced attorney.
If brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical defects contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer or a repair shop may be responsible for the accident. Defective auto parts can prevent drivers from stopping or slowing down in time, leading to high-speed collisions.
If a speeding accident involves a commercial vehicle, the employer of the at-fault driver may also be held liable. Trucking companies, delivery services, and rideshare companies have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, enforce speed limits, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance.
If a company fails to train its drivers properly, pressures them to meet unrealistic deadlines, or neglects vehicle inspections, they may share responsibility for the crash. Employers can also be liable under vicarious liability laws, which hold companies accountable for their employees’ negligent actions while performing work-related duties.
Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning that even if the victim is found partially responsible for the accident, they may still be eligible for compensation. Identifying all liable parties is crucial in maximizing financial recovery, which is why working with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference.
Speeding accidents often result in severe or life-threatening injuries due to the extreme force of impact. Victims may suffer long-term complications that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries include:
High-impact crashes can cause concussions, brain hemorrhages, and permanent cognitive impairments. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and long-term neurological issues that affect their ability to work and perform daily activities.
Damage to the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. Many spinal cord injuries require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and lifelong medical care, drastically impacting a victim’s independence and quality of life.
Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common in high-speed collisions due to the sudden impact. Severe fractures may require surgery, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation, limiting a victim’s ability to work or perform everyday tasks.
Blunt force trauma from a speeding accident can cause organ damage, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, which may be life-threatening if not treated immediately. These injuries are often difficult to detect without medical imaging, making emergency medical evaluation essential after a crash.
Speeding accidents can result in deep cuts, road rash, and serious burns caused by shattered glass, metal debris, or vehicle fires. These injuries may lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and the need for skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
Victims of speeding accidents in Phoenix often require long-term rehabilitation, costly medical treatments, and significant time off work. Seeking immediate medical care and legal representation can help ensure the best possible recovery and financial compensation.
If you were injured in a speeding accident in Phoenix, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses you have suffered. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the level of negligence involved in the crash. Compensation typically falls into three main categories:
Economic damages cover the financial costs directly related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Medical costs may include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. If the injuries prevent a victim from returning to work, they may also be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity. Additionally, economic damages cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle, as well as other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation costs for medical appointments.
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional hardships a victim endures after a speeding accident in Phoenix. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Many victims experience chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or psychological conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression after a high-speed crash. If injuries prevent a victim from engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or living independently, they may be entitled to additional compensation.
In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were especially reckless, such as street racing, excessive speeding, or driving under the influence, courts may award punitive damages. Unlike other forms of compensation, punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent driver and discourage similar behavior in the future. These damages send a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated.
Understanding the full scope of available compensation is essential for victims seeking justice after a speeding accident in Phoenix. At Torgenson Law, we fight to ensure our clients recover the maximum amount they deserve.
At Torgenson Law, we have extensive experience handling speeding accident cases in Phoenix. We conduct thorough investigations, gather critical evidence, and fight aggressively against insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Our legal team will negotiate for a fair settlement, and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a speeding accident in Phoenix, do not wait to seek legal help. Call Torgenson Law today at 602-726-0747 or reach out to us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.