Even a few miles per hour over the speed limit can be the difference between stopping safely and a devastating crash. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Peoria, Illinois. If you were injured in a speeding accident, Joel E. Brown, P.C., can help when you call (309) 673-4357.
Whether you were hurt on a busy road or a neighborhood street in Peoria, a speeding driver’s careless actions can change your life instantly. Medical bills, missed work, chronic pain, and the emotional toll of a crash can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Call our team today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Peoria car accident lawyer.
Why Choose Joel E. Brown, P.C. After a Speeding Accident in Peoria
When your health and future are on the line, you need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who knows how to win. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we bring a proven record of success and a client-first approach to every case.
Here’s why injured clients choose our firm after accidents in Peoria, IL:
- We have 30+ years of combined legal experience.
- We have recovered millions for injury victims.
- Our founding attorney has been included in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in America.
- The Peoria Community trusts our firm.
Don’t let a speeding driver get away with the harm they’ve caused. Contact our firm today to speak with a Peoria personal injury attorney who will fight for you.
How Common Is Speeding?
Speeding is more than just a traffic ticket—it’s a deadly problem on roads across the country, including in Illinois. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 12,000 people died in speeding-related crashes nationwide in 2023. Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.
In Illinois in 2023, speed accounted for 31.1% of total crashes, 44.9% of fatal crashes, and 36.3% of injury crashes. Speeding reduces reaction time, making crashes more violent and injuries more severe. Drivers who choose to ignore the speed limit put everyone around them at risk.
What Is Considered Speeding in Illinois?
In Illinois, speeding means driving faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for the current road conditions.
Examples of standard maximum speed limits include:
- 70 miles per hour on interstate highways outside urban areas
- 65 miles per hour on rural interstates
- 55 miles per hour on interstate highways near or in major cities, and other highways
- 30 miles per hour in an urban area unless some other speed restriction is established.
- Outside urban areas, the maximum speed limit for vehicles like RVs, campers, trailers, and those over 8,001 pounds is 60 mph.
Even if drivers are under the posted limit, they can still be cited (and held liable) if their speed was unsafe given weather, traffic, or visibility conditions. Speeding in construction zones or near pedestrians can carry even steeper penalties.
What Causes Most Speeding Accidents?
Speeding is often a symptom of other reckless behaviors.
Drivers who often exceed speeding limits may be more likely to:
- Tailgate other vehicles
- Fail to yield or stop
- Make unsafe lane changes
- Drive aggressively or while distracted
- Ignore signs in construction or school zones
In some cases, alcohol or drug impairment may be a factor. Other times, drivers are simply impatient, frustrated, or unaware of how dangerous their speed truly is. Regardless of the reason, the law holds them accountable when their actions lead to harm.
What Types of Injuries Are Common?
High-speed collisions typically result in more serious injuries due to the force of impact.
Victims in speeding accidents often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Lacerations and burns
- Fatal injuries in severe cases
Many of these injuries require emergency care, long-term treatment, and time away from work.
What if I Am Partially Responsible for My Accident?
Even if you think you may be partially at fault for the crash, you may still be entitled to compensation. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
This rule means:
- You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- You may be barred from recovering damages entirely if you are more than 50% at fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If you are 60% at fault, you wouldn’t be able to recover at all.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Peoria Speeding Accident Lawyers
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we understand how devastating a speeding-related crash in Peoria, Illinois, can be for your body, finances, and peace of mind. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options.
Let us review the facts of your case, explain what to expect, and help you build the most substantial claim possible. If someone else’s reckless speed caused your injuries, we’re here to hold them accountable.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Peoria speeding accident lawyer who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.