aftermath of a high speed car accident

When operating a vehicle on a public roadway, a driver has a duty to act as a reasonably prudent driver. However, this standard is dependent on the type of roadway they are traveling on as well as the weather conditions. Speeding is defined as driving a vehicle at a rate that exceeds the speed limit. The speed limit is the maximum speed a vehicle is permitted to travel under ideal weather conditions.

It is not surprising that most speed-related accidents take place during inclement weather conditions. However, it is not always because the driver was traveling above the speed limit. A driver can be responsible for a high-speed car accident when they fail to take proper precautions and drive at a safe speed during poor conditions. In New York, a driver can receive a ticket, even if driving the speed limit, if an officer believes the driver was traveling at a speed “not reasonable and prudent” for existing conditions. 

The most common reason individuals speed is because they become agitated when sitting in traffic. Many drivers are in a hurry to get to their destination and their frustration can cause some drivers to take part in risky behaviors. Such risky behaviors include switching in and out of lanes and speeding. In addition, speeding can occur because drivers are not paying attention, this is more likely to occur when the driver is fatigued or distracted. Furthermore, drivers may exceed the speed limit because they have no respect for the law or other drivers. These drivers often engage in risky behavior and do not consider how their actions may be dangerous or affect others on the road. Unfortunately, this risky behavior results in serious injuries and fatalities when an accident takes place. 

Behind distracted driving, and driving while impaired, speeding is the third leading cause of driving fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed was involved in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Aside from being against the law, speeding can have serious consequences on the roadways and when a vehicle is involved in an accident. A vehicle driving at an exorbitant speed has a greater chance of losing control and crashing into another vehicle. Further, a vehicle traveling at a high speed takes longer to come to a complete stop. As a result, drivers who are speeding are often able to avoid hazardous conditions even if they spot them ahead of time. Further, with each mile above the speed limit a vehicle travels, the force of impact grows greater. The greater the force of the collision, the greater the injuries and the chance that the accident will result in fatalities. 

Recovering After a High-Speed Car Accident

The state of New York uses a no-fault insurance system to compensate all individuals involved in an accident, regardless of fault. The owner of a vehicle is expected to carry their own no-fault policy as well as a liability policy in the event that they cause an accident with excess damages.

No-fault collision insurance provides up to $50,000 for basic economic loss, including medical care for the driver of the insured vehicle. No-fault insurance will cover 80% of income lost while the victim recovers from their injuries, up to $2,000 per month unless more coverage is purchased.

When serious injuries are involved, the treatment costs and lost wages can easily exceed the no-fault benefits that are available. In these cases, the injury victim can pursue the excess damages from the fault party. To recover further damages after an accident, the injured party must file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, stating that the insured was negligent. To be found liable for negligence, the plaintiff must establish four elements. The plaintiff must establish that the defendant had a legal duty to the plaintiff to use reasonable care. The defendant then breached that duty by failing to act as a reasonable person should. The defendant’s breach of duty caused injury or harm and the victim suffered injury or losses that may be compensated by recovering monetary damages.

After a high-speed accident, the plaintiff may establish that the defendant acted negligently if they were driving above the speed limit or operating at a speed that was unreasonable based on the travel conditions.

Hire an Attorney that Specializes in Catastrophic Injuries

At TonaLaw, we understand the pain and difficulties our clients go through after they have been injured. Whether your injury is the result of another’s negligence or a workplace injury, we can help you recover medical costs, lost income, and most importantly, peace of mind. 

With over twenty years of experience, our office is familiar with the deceitful tactics insurance companies utilize so they can pay you less than you deserve. However, at TonaLaw, our clients know their attorney is working tirelessly to get them the settlement they deserve. 

For these reasons, you need a New York personal injury attorney who will ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. For legal services ranging from personal injury and no-fault collections to business litigation, call TonaLaw toll-free today at 1(833) TONALAW or text 1 (631) 780-5355. 

What Our Clients Are Saying

Excellent5.0 Based on 352 reviews from review us onsorivel gulottasorivel gulotta ★★★★★ Thank you Lauren for all of your help! You are always ready for any challenge and willing to answer any questions. Always professional, informative and kind. Will highly recommend!Janet SimoneJanet Simone ★★★★☆ TonaLaw did a great job in handling my case! I highly recommend them and would use them again if needed.Elizabeth SanchezElizabeth Sanchez ★★★★★ Definitely recommend this law firm. Great communication and walked me throughout the whole process. Very satisfied.Laurea MartinezLaurea Martinez ★★★★★ My twins and I had a bad car accident that turned our lives upside down. I was in and out of surgeries and PT to get fix. But let me tell you, TONA Law and the staff took such a stressful situations out and made everything an easy process for us! My lawyer Jeff along with Jayda and Lauren were open for communication, even if it meant answering e-mails or silly questions after hours. I highly recommended Tona Law if you are looking for a competent lawyer to fight for you! Do yourself a favor and get that “accident nuts” out of your head and give them a call. God sent!Thanks Tona Law!Joseph DadaboJoseph Dadabo ★★★★★ Tonalaw is great Lauren and Robin are such awesome people thank you guys for your helpKatelyn MccormickKatelyn Mccormick ★★★★★ I have know Lauren for years, she is a very professional and caring person, anyone working with her would be in good hands.joanne lursenjoanne lursen ★★★★★ Lauren is very knowledgeable in her field and focuses on getting the job done, producing the best results, and willing to going the extra mile.Brooke BirkeyBrooke Birkey ★★★★★ If you contact Tona Law Firm after an accident, you will be delighted to work with their team of professionals. They are caring, easy to talk to, and know how to get you quickly on the road to your best results. If you've been seriously injured in New York and you're looking for a great experience, look no further than Tona Law.jeanette devinejeanette devine ★★★★★ Lauren work ethics are exceptional. She is always extremely helpful with any questions. Tona law is very lucky to have her as part of the team.NicoleNicole ★★★★★ I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Tona Law. I highly recommend them. Dianna is amazing. She is personable, knowledgeable and extremely reliable and impressive. Thank you to the entire staff.Mike manasMike manas ★★★★★ Lauren was such a pleasure to work with! Super informative and helpful.Melanie RasmussenMelanie Rasmussen ★★★★★ I highly recommend Jeffrey Donato, personal injury attorney with TonaLaw! I've used Jeff personally, when we needed advice with two situations. He's professional, highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and responsive. I totally trust him.Educated MomEducated Mom ★★★★★ I would highly recommend Tona Law. Diana and her team are fantastic!Amazing AngelsAmazing Angels ★★★★★ They’re great team of lawyers and they really care about their clientsKaram BasraKaram Basra ★★★★★ Tona Law answered all my questions thoroughly, talked to me like I was a person and not just another case, and were dedicated to helping me solve my legal issues. Thanks to Dianna Kost and everyone on the team!Christine RoeChristine Roe ★★★★★ I would trust this firm with any matter you may have. Amazing people with great values. Plus the marketing team is killing it!anthony scottianthony scotti ★★★★★ JohnJohn ★★★★★ I have known Lauren for years. She takes pride in her work and is professional. Your in good hands with her and Tona lawErica CharleneErica Charlene ★★★★★ I have known Lauren for over 20 years, she takes pride in her work, is professional, and dedicated to helping clients. You're in good hands with Lauren on your side.emily rosenemily rosen ★★★★★ If you’re looking for superior lawyering, call tona law. I would highly recommend Dianna and her team for all your legal matters.Teresa DesimoneTeresa Desimone ★★★★★ I called Tona Law not knowing what to expect after my car accident. They were very kind and patient, made me feel very comfortable about the process while still undergoing surgeries. I know it isn't much, but when I came home from the hospital my husband showed me a little get well package that they sent. It made me feel like they cared that they went that extra step. Lauren and Jayda answered every question I had in a timely manner and if they weren't sure, one of the lawyers would call and would further explain it until I understood. Healing is already a stressful time, Tona Law made it a little bit easier. Thank you to everyone who helped.Bernhard SengstockBernhard Sengstock ★★★★★ Great people! So happy to know that they can be trusted! Will recommend! 😊👍Jeff HJeff H ★★★★★ Great experience with Tona Law. Very professional and responsive.Gisselle SortoGisselle Sorto ★★★★★ I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Dianna Kost who initially referred me to TonaLaw, she was kind and very helpful! I know at TonaLaw my voice will be heard and all my questions will be answered and I will always come across a polite knowledgeable staff member. That is why TonaLaw is my ONLY choice for any Personal Injury Case I have and why I not only will recommend them to my family and friends but my patients as well. So if you are questioning which firm to pick among the the hundreds you'll find on google you might as well stop your search here and give them a call to see for yourself!Luz TursoLuz Turso ★★★★★ Dianna is honest, helpful, and exceptionally kind. It helps knowing that Tonalaw has spanish speaking attorneys and staff that accommodate the latin clientele.js_loader