Speeding accidents are one of the top causes of crashes in Florida, causing severe injuries and wrongful death. Victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. However, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve requires the assistance of experienced Tampa car accident lawyers. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive fair settlements.
The Alarming Statistics: Speeding and Accident Rates
To say most accidents occur at high speeds and when people are driving long distances is a misconception. However, the risk of car accidents increases significantly when speeding is involved.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused By Speeding?
Statistics report by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for 2021 included:
- 28% of fatal crashes, 13% of injury crashes, and 9% of property-only crashes were speeding-related.
- 12,330 people died from speeding car accidents.
- 328,946 people were injured in speeding-related crashes.
- 87% of speeding car accident fatalities occurred on non-interstate roads.
- 8% increase in speeding-related fatalities from 2020 to 2021.
- 3,738 fatalities occurred in Florida in 2021.
- 28% (1,047) of the fatalities were speeding-related.
- Florida ranks third in the nation for traffic fatalities.
Recent trends indicate a decline in the total number of crashes. Yet the number of car accidents caused by speeding continues to increase. There has also been a steady increase in reckless driving and excessive speeding.
Why Speeding Is a Major Contributor to Accidents and Road Fatalities
Speeding is the leading cause of vehicle accidents and fatalities for several reasons, including:
- Reduced reaction time: Drivers have less time to react to road events at high speeds.
- Increased stopping distances: It requires more distance to come to a complete stop when speeding, even on dry pavement.
- Loss of vehicle control: Speeding can affect the maneuverability of the car, making it harder to maintain control, especially when navigating curves, blind corners, construction zones, and poor road conditions.
- Severity of the impact: The faster someone is driving, the greater the force of impact will be, which can result in severe injuries and fatalities.
- Tunnel vision and narrowed field of view: At higher speeds, the field of vision narrows, resulting in tunnel vision, making it more difficult to notice potential hazards.
- Increased risk-taking behavior is associated with speeding: Speeding drivers tend to take greater risks, such as weaving in and out of traffic, cutting off other drivers, and disobeying other traffic laws.
- Misconception that driving fast will get you there quicker: The reality is that the risk of getting into a crash increases significantly at higher speeds. For every 10 mph increase, the risk of a crash doubles, and at speeds over 50 mph, the risk of a fatal accident quadruples.
“Bad Driving Habits” Related To Speeding in Florida
Speeding is a bad driving habit on its own, but it can be intertwined with reckless driving, aggressive driving, road rage, and risk-taking behaviors. Florida traffic law defines speed as driving faster than the posted speed limit or driving at speeds too fast for conditions.
There is also a difference between simple speeding, which is exceeding the posted speed limit, and reckless driving, which is driving at excessive speeds of 30 mph over the posted speed limit or speeds higher than 100 mph. Florida defines reckless driving as any person who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Some common examples of reckless driving include:
- Passing a school bus when it’s stopped
- Passing in no-passing zones
- Racing
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Excessive speeding
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Passing on blind curves
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Intentionally failing to yield the right-of-way
The penalties for a first offense reckless driving charge could include:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- Four points added to your driver’s license
- Potential six-month license suspension
Second and subsequent offenses can include:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Four points added to your driver’s license
- License suspension or license revocation
Additionally, as of July 1, 2025, Florida’s “Super Speeder” law makes it a criminal offense to exceed the speed limit by 50 mph or more or to drive at speeds of 100 mph or faster. Penalties include:
- Up to 30 days in jail for a first offence, and up to 90 days in jail for subsequent offences.
- Up to a $500 fine for a first offence, and up to $1,000 fine for subsequent offences.
- Mandatory license revocation of up to one year for subsequent offences within five years.
These laws impact liability in a car accident and work in your favor as they can help prove the driver was negligent and at fault.
How To Prove Speeding in a Car Accident
To prove speed as the cause of your accident, you must show the other driver was negligent and breached their duty of care by providing sufficient evidence as part of your claim, such as:
- Police report: The police report contains vital data, including evidence of speeding, witness statements, length of skid marks, and resulting damages and injuries.
- Witness testimony: Having a separate sworn witness statement can provide specific details, such as the speed of the car, how the accident occurred, and other relevant information.
- Physical evidence at the scene: Having pictures or videos that show skid marks, vehicle damage, and distance traveled after impact helps determine speed.
- Video camera footage: Traffic and security cameras that capture the accident can help support the claim that speeding caused the accident.
- Vehicle data recorders: Some vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs) that can show speed, brake usage, steering, and other data that can be used to prove speeding.
- Accident reconstructionists: These experts meticulously reconstruct the accident, including the speed of the vehicles at the time of impact.
Common Injuries Resulting From Speeding-Related Car Accidents in Florida
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)
- Brain hemorrhages
- Concussions
- Broken and fractured bones
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sprains, strains, contusions, lacerations
- Psychological impacts, such as PTSD or anxiety
- Paralysis
- Death
It is essential to remember that the extent of injuries will depend on the speed of the vehicles, road conditions, and the location of the impact.
If I’m Hit By a Speeding Driver, What Should I Do?
Here are the steps you should follow after a speeding-related car crash:
- Attempt to remain calm.
- Ensure your safety and check for injuries.
- Call 911 and request medical treatment and the police.
- Gather evidence if possible, such as pictures and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
- Obtain witness contact details.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- File a police report.
- Never admit fault to the other driver or the police.
- Speak to a car accident attorney before speaking to the insurance companies.
It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
The Antidote To Speeding: “Safe Driving Habits”
If you find yourself speeding, it is worthwhile to brush up on safe driving habits and slow down using these tips:
- Be mindful of speed limits.
- Use cruise control or adaptive cruise control to avoid speeding.
- Maintain safe following distances.
- Use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes.
- Take deep breaths if you start to get irritated.
- Take an online basic driver improvement course.
- Eliminate distractions.
- Slow down in poor weather conditions.
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein — a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association, and the Clearwater Bar Association — has protected the rights of individuals injured by a negligent party.
Mr. Bernstein has the expertise to handle various injury cases, including, but not limited to, car accidents, medical malpractice cases, cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury and catastrophic occurrences, and legal malpractice issues.
With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, handles every type of personal injury and accident case throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. Our office has the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
How Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Can Help You With Your Speeding Accident Claim
Our law firm consists of six lawyers and 34 legal support personnel to provide the dedicated attention and legal resources you need after being injured in a speeding-related crash. We will help you with the following points:
- Thorough investigation and evidence gathering to establish negligence.
- Handles all aspects of your insurance claim on your behalf.
- Negotiates for a fair settlement.
- Aggressively representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Compassionate, caring, supportive, and personalized legal support.
- Free consultations.
- No fees unless we win.
Get honest legal advice and an accurate valuation of your injury claim by speaking with one of our car accident lawyers today.
FAQs
If the Police Didn’t Witness the Other Driver Speeding, Can I Still Prove It?
You can use witness statements, physical evidence, and accident reconstruction to prove the other driver was speeding.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
You have two years from the accident date to file an injury claim. However, you only have 14 days to seek medical treatment to utilize your PIP benefits.
What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue in a Speeding Accident Claim?
You can claim economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment.
How Long Does a Typical Speeding Accident Claim Take To Resolve?
It depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to settle. On average, cases usually settle within six months, but could take over a year if the case goes to trial.
What Are Some Common Excuses Speeding Drivers Use, and How Do They Affect My Claim?
Common excuses speeding drivers use include:
– “I was just keeping up with the flow of traffic.”
– “I didn’t realize I was speeding.”
– “I didn’t see the speed limit sign.”
– “I had a personal emergency.”
– “I was running late for work.”
The excuses still do not excuse their failure to provide a duty of care and show negligence when a crash occurs.
What Are the Most Common Reasons Why Drivers Choose To Speed?
– Running late
– Habit
– Keeping up with traffic
– Thrill seeking
– Road rage
– Aggressive driving
– Inattention
– Attempting to reduce travel time
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Sources:
FLA. STAT. § 316.183. (2025).
FLA. STAT. § 316.192. (2025).
FLA. STAT. § 95.11(5). (2025).
Florida Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Online.
HB 351 – Dangerous Excessive Speeding. (2025).
Traffic Safety Facts 2021 Data. (2022).