Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors on busy Sherman Oaks roads. With traffic moving through major routes such as the 101 and nearby 405, a driver traveling too fast may have less time to react to sudden traffic, pedestrians, lane changes, or road hazards. When a speeding driver causes a collision, the increased force of impact can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even death.
Many drivers understand that speeding is dangerous but continue to exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for current traffic conditions. California law requires drivers to use reasonable care, follow applicable speed limits, and remain alert to other road users and roadway conditions. When a driver’s careless or negligent behavior causes an accident, the injured person may have grounds to pursue compensation.
If you were injured because another driver was speeding in Sherman Oaks, a car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, establish negligence, and pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Why Speed Makes Car Accidents More Dangerous
Speed can dramatically affect what happens during a collision. A vehicle traveling at a higher speed generally requires more distance to stop and gives the driver less time to react to an unexpected situation.
When a speeding driver suddenly encounters stopped traffic, a pedestrian, another vehicle changing lanes, or an obstacle, the available reaction time may be reduced. If a collision occurs, the impact can cause significant damage to the vehicles and occupants.
Lionsgate Law Group explains that drivers have a duty to exercise caution, follow speed limits, and remain aware of road obstacles, pedestrians, and other drivers. Failing to do so may constitute negligence when it results in injury or harm.
What Happens When You Crash at High Speed?
There can be a major difference between a low-speed collision and a high-speed crash. As the severity of a collision increases, so can the likelihood of serious bodily injury.
High-speed accidents may cause victims to suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Permanent disabilities
- Other catastrophic injuries
The consequences may extend well beyond the initial emergency treatment. A serious injury can result in ongoing medical care, missed work, reduced mobility, and significant changes to a person’s quality of life.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
High-speed collisions can expose the head and brain to powerful forces. A person’s head may strike the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or another object, or the brain may move forcefully within the skull.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, difficulty concentrating, or changes in mood.
More serious traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional problems. Some victims require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Lionsgate Law Group handles brain injury and catastrophic injury cases as part of its personal injury practice. For an injured Sherman Oaks resident, professional legal representation can be particularly important when an accident produces long-term or life-changing consequences.
Facial Injuries
A high-speed collision can cause a person’s face to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, window, or other objects inside the vehicle. Broken glass can also cause cuts and other facial injuries.
Common injuries can include:
- Broken noses
- Facial fractures
- Eye injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Permanent scarring
The severity of facial injuries can depend on the speed of the collision, the direction of impact, and the point where the person’s face or head makes contact.
Beyond medical treatment, permanent facial scarring can affect a person’s confidence, emotional well-being, and quality of life. These consequences may be relevant when evaluating a personal injury claim.
Internal Organ Injuries
Some of the most serious injuries following a high-speed accident may not be immediately visible.
The sudden force of a collision can cause the body to move violently, potentially resulting in damage to internal organs. Internal bleeding or organ damage can be difficult to recognize without appropriate medical evaluation.
This is one reason accident victims should not assume that they are uninjured simply because they do not see an obvious wound. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms after a collision should seek appropriate medical attention promptly.
Medical records can also become important evidence in a personal injury case. Lionsgate Law Group identifies collecting medical records and important evidence as part of its approach to handling car accident claims.
Broken Bones
Fractures are another common consequence of forceful vehicle collisions. A person’s arms, legs, ribs, wrists, or other bones may be injured during a high-speed crash.
A severe fracture may require surgery, immobilization, physical therapy, or months of rehabilitation. Even after the bone heals, an accident victim may experience lasting pain, reduced mobility, or limitations that affect their ability to work.
The financial consequences can also become significant when an injured person needs ongoing treatment or cannot return to work.
Speeding and Negligence in a Sherman Oaks Car Accident
Speeding alone does not automatically answer every legal question following a collision. An injury claim generally requires evidence establishing the elements of negligence.
Lionsgate Law Group explains that a car accident negligence claim can involve showing that the defendant owed the injured person a duty, breached that duty, caused the injury, and that the victim suffered actual damages.
For example, if a driver was traveling too fast for the conditions and struck another vehicle, evidence about the driver’s speed, roadway conditions, vehicle positions, and resulting injuries may all become relevant.
Evidence Can Make a Difference
Determining whether speeding contributed to an accident may require more than simply asking the drivers what happened.
Evidence can include:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Available video footage
- Insurance information
- Other documentation related to the collision
Lionsgate Law Group states that its car accident attorneys collect important evidence and medical records, review insurance policies, and work to establish liability.
A professional investigation is especially valuable when the other driver disputes responsibility or an insurance company questions the claim.
Other Parties May Also Need to Be Investigated
A speeding accident may appear to involve only two drivers, but determining legal responsibility can sometimes require a broader investigation.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible third parties may include an employer, rideshare company, construction company, or another entity. Lionsgate Law Group specifically notes that its attorneys assess cases to determine whether additional parties may need to be held responsible.
This can become particularly important when a serious collision involves a commercial vehicle, rideshare driver, or other circumstances involving additional insurance coverage.
Why You Should Not Handle a Serious Claim Alone
After a high-speed crash, an injured person may be dealing with medical appointments, vehicle damage, lost wages, insurance communications, and uncertainty about the future.
Insurance companies may investigate the accident and evaluate the value of a claim, but their assessment does not necessarily account for every loss an injured person has experienced or may experience in the future.
Lionsgate Law Group helps car accident victims collect evidence, obtain medical records, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation. The firm also represents clients in court when necessary.
The firm’s attorneys consider factors such as insurance policies, medical expenses, lost wages, documentation of the accident scene, and the impact of an injury on the victim’s life when evaluating a claim.
Get Help After a Speeding Accident in Sherman Oaks
A speeding driver can cause far more than damage to another vehicle. A serious collision can result in brain injuries, fractures, internal injuries, permanent disabilities, lost income, and lasting changes to a victim’s life.
If another driver’s speeding or careless behavior caused your accident in Sherman Oaks, you should not have to manage the legal and insurance process by yourself. Lionsgate Law Group, APC investigates car accident claims, collects evidence and medical records, works with insurance companies, and represents injured clients seeking fair compensation. The firm’s headquarters are located in Sherman Oaks, and consultations are free.
Call 800-454-5299 to discuss your car accident with Lionsgate Law Group and learn about your legal options.
