Skilled Phoenix Attorneys Helping Victims Injured in Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents
Our law firm protects the rights of Arizona drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists
Statistics don't lie. Here in Arizona, 127,000 accidents occur on our highways each year, with 56,000 injuries and 952 fatalities. It can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from injuries after a car accident. In some cases, accident victims deal with their injuries for the rest of their lives, an unfortunate reminder of the damage a reckless or speeding motorist can inflict on an innocent driver.
The legal team at Plattner Verderame, P.C. has been fighting for the rights of victims since 1991. We understand the pain and suffering of those injured in Arizona car accidents, and we work to hold reckless drivers responsible. We have the resources and the dedication to devote ourselves to your case, and demand justice for your injuries and damages. Talk to us today about your accident and your legal options.
Criminal or excessive speeding in Arizona
Speeding may seem like a minor traffic violation. However, drivers have a duty to exercise care when operating a motor vehicle, and speeding can put others at risk. In fact, in 2016, 314 people were killed and 23,000 were injured in speed-related crashes in Arizona. Whenever someone gets behind the wheel and disregards posted speed limits, they're putting other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in harm's way.
In our state, as well as others, excessive speeding is a criminal charge. Under Arizona Code Section 28-701.02(A), a driver may not:
- Exceed 35 miles per hour approaching a school crossing.
- Exceed the posted speed limit in a business or residential district by more than 20 miles per hour, or if no speed limit is posted, exceed 45 miles per hour.
- Exceed 85 miles per hour in other locations.
Legislature also defines “reasonable and prudent speed,” noting that motorists must control the speed of their vehicle as necessary to exercise reasonable care for the protection of others. Breaking these speeding laws is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which has penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $500.
Excessive criminal speeding can cause serious car accidents, and your safety should never be put at risk by another driver when you're simply trying to get where you need to go in your daily routine. We have obtained multiple 7-figure settlements on behalf of clients who sustained catastrophic injuries because of a speeding driver.
Reckless driving in Arizona
Although speeding can be included in reckless driving, reckless driving encompasses much more than speeding. It's more serious than just breaking traffic rules. Reckless driving can entail things like weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, speeding, street racing, ignoring traffic signals, driving under the influence, failing to signal, or leading police on a chase.
Arizona Code Section 28-693 defines reckless driving as when a driver operates “a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons.” Reckless driving charges are a Class 2 misdemeanor, and if found guilty, the offender can lose their license for up to 90 days. The law itself doesn't specifically define “reckless,” and typically that's up to the discretion of the police officer.
Reckless drivers are dangerous to everyone else on the road and can injure others with their negligence. You and your loved ones shouldn't have to suffer due to someone else's behavior.
Types of injuries from speeding and reckless driving accidents
When someone else's speeding or reckless driving-related accident causes you injury or property damage, you have the right to seek compensation. Their disregard for others' safety is against the law and they should be held responsible. Our attorneys can help.
These types of accidents typically cause serious injuries because they tend to happen at high speed, or the driver is distracted and doesn't have time to try and avoid a crash. We see injuries like:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Crushed, fractured, or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
These can range from mild to catastrophic. Some injuries, like lacerations, could resolve in a few weeks, but others, like traumatic brain injuries, could have after-effects that last years or even a lifetime. Who will pay your bills?
Recovering compensation after your Phoenix car accident
When you're hurt in a crash with a reckless or speeding driver, you have the right to pursue compensation. You may be facing high medical bills, loss of wages due to the inability to work, as well as physical pain and mental suffering. In a civil claim, you can seek compensatory damages for the harm the at-fault driver caused.
You can also sue for punitive damages, which is a way to punish an at-fault driver for their behavior and deter them from repeating it. To recover punitive damages, you just need to show that the driver acted with willful and wanton disregard for other's safety. Our personal injury attorneys can investigate your particular situation and decide, along with you, the best way to proceed with your case.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of accident cases, including:
Give our Arizona speeding and reckless driving accident lawyers a call today
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we stand up for those injured in accidents caused by reckless and speeding drivers. We're experienced, thorough, and dedicated attorneys who stand up for our clients after they've been harmed by the carelessness of others. If you've been hurt in a Phoenix car accident, call our lawyers at 602-266-2002 or contact us today. Consultations are free. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if the case settles or we obtain a verdict on your behalf.