Speeding changes everything in an instant. What could have been a minor incident turns into a serious crash, leaving people hurt, cars wrecked, and lives upended. If you’ve been hit by someone driving too fast, you may be left dealing with pain, lost time at work, and more questions than answers.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti helps people in Pasadena who’ve been injured in speeding-related collisions. When aggressive drivers ignore California’s traffic laws, they should be held responsible. A skilled Pasadena Car Accident Lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. We offer free consultations and take the time to explain your options clearly. If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit or just want to know your rights, call (626) 793-8607 today.
Pasadena Accidents Caused by Speeding Are More Common Than You Think
Speeding plays a big role in many car accidents around Pasadena. Even when the road seems clear, just a few extra miles per hour can make a big difference in reaction time and stopping distance. In a city with so many crosswalks, intersections, and cyclists, fast driving puts everyone at risk.
Recent data shows that around 18% of crashes in Pasadena involve drivers going faster than they should. Intersections like Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard or Fair Oaks Avenue are especially known for speeding problems. With school zones, busy crosswalks, and constant traffic flow, speed-related crashes are more likely to happen and more likely to cause serious injuries.
Why Speeding Endangers Everyone on the Road
Driving too fast gives you less control over your vehicle and less time to react to anything unexpected. A sudden turn, a red light, or a pedestrian crossing the street all become more dangerous when speed is involved.
- Loss of control at high speeds
- Reduced reaction and braking time
- Increased crash force and injury severity
- Higher risk of pedestrian or cyclist fatalities
- Greater chance of rollovers, especially on ramps or curves
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 26% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. are related to speeding. These accidents often result in injuries like spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and long-term pain and suffering.
California Speed Limit Laws and When You Can Legally Speed
California law sets clear rules on how fast you’re allowed to drive, but speed limits aren’t just numbers on a sign. They also reflect what’s safe based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
- Basic speed law: Drivers must move at a speed that is safe for the current conditions, even if that’s below the posted limit.
- Presumed speed limits: These are typical limits like 25 mph in residential areas or near schools.
- Absolute speed limits: These are posted maximums that you can’t exceed under any condition.
- Emergency exceptions and legal gray areas: Sometimes the law allows flexibility, like when you’re avoiding a hazard or responding to an emergency, but it’s still a narrow path.
The California Vehicle Code §22350 reminds drivers that speed must always be reasonable and safe. Failing to follow this can lead to serious consequences after an auto accident.
Is Speeding Always Considered Negligence in California?
In personal injury law, negligence is a key part of proving who’s at fault. Not every crash caused by speeding means automatic legal responsibility, but it can strongly support your case when certain conditions are met.
To prove negligence, your legal team will look at four specific factors:
- Duty of care
- Breach of that duty
- Causation
- Damages
A Pasadena speeding accident lawyer will often argue that exceeding the speed limit is a breach of duty. But the case must also show that the speeding directly caused the accident and the resulting damages. Whether it’s property damage, traumatic brain injury, or other medical treatment, every detail matters when building a personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence like the police report and witness statements to support your claim against the other driver or their insurance company.
Common Reasons Why Drivers Speed in Pasadena
Speeding doesn't always come from bad intentions. Sometimes it’s a rushed morning, a missed alarm, or just trying to make it to an appointment on time. But in a place like Pasadena, where streets are packed with commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians, that kind of decision can lead to serious harm.
There are several reasons why people choose to drive faster than the limit:
- Running late for work, school, or appointments
- Aggressive or reckless behavior, like road rage or tailgating
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distraction from phones, music, or other passengers
- Feeling overconfident, especially on roads they use every day
- Stress caused by traffic, delays, or crowded roads
Understanding these behaviors helps injury victims and their legal teams show how negligence played a part in their accident.
What Injuries Are Common in Speeding Accident Cases
Speeding crashes don’t just cause scrapes and bruises. They often lead to some of the most serious and painful injuries seen in personal injury law. The faster the impact, the more violent the force and the more damage done to people inside or outside the vehicle.
Here are some of the most common injuries linked to high-speed accidents:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones or complex fractures
- Brain trauma like TBIs or concussions
- Internal bleeding or serious organ damage
- Facial injuries, including broken bones or lost teeth
- Burns, deep cuts, or road rash from sliding
- Whiplash or soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death from severe trauma
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed increases both the likelihood of a crash and the chances that it causes life-changing or fatal injuries. Whether it’s a rear-end accident or a T-bone crash at an intersection, these impacts often require long-term care and recovery.
What to Do After a Speeding Accident in Pasadena
The minutes after a car crash can be confusing. But taking the right steps can protect your health and make a big difference in your personal injury claim. Even if you think you're okay, some injuries can take hours or even days to show up.
Here's what to do if you’re involved in a speeding-related crash:
- Call 911 and make sure everyone is safe
- Get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine
- Take photos or videos of the crash scene, damage, and skid marks
- Ask for contact information from any witnesses nearby
- File a police report with Pasadena PD or the California Highway Patrol
- Let your auto insurance provider know about the crash
- Talk to a Pasadena car accident attorney before you speak to the other driver’s insurance
Your medical records, police report, and photos can be key pieces of evidence later. A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights if the other party tries to shift blame or delay your claim.
What Compensation You Can Recover After a Speeding Crash
Speeding accidents can affect every part of your life not just your health but your work, your finances, and your day-to-day comfort. Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit may help you recover what you’ve lost.
You may be entitled to recover:
- Ambulance rides and emergency treatment
- Physical therapy, surgeries, or other long-term care
- Pay you missed while you couldn’t work
- Reduced ability to earn if you’re left with lasting injuries
- Emotional trauma, stress, or changes to your quality of life
- Repairs or replacement for your vehicle
- Support for changes in relationships or personal independence
In many cases, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate for more than the insurance company first offers. If your injuries were caused by a truck accident, motorcycle accident, or a driver under the legal alcohol limit in California, your claim may be even stronger. Some law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win the case.
Time Limits for Filing a Speeding Injury Claim in California
If you've been hurt in a speeding-related accident, it’s important to act quickly. California law sets strict deadlines for when you can file a personal injury claim. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to recover compensation.
If the driver who hit you was working for a city or county agency, or if the crash involved a government vehicle, things move even faster. You only have six months to file a formal notice. There are a few exceptions, like cases involving minors or injuries that weren’t obvious right away, but they’re rare. Talking to a speeding accident lawyer in Pasadena early can help you avoid missing these critical deadlines.
Can You Still Recover Damages If You Were Also Speeding?
Crashes aren’t always black and white. If you were speeding too, but someone else caused the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. California uses what’s called a pure comparative negligence system:
- Even if you were partly at fault, you can still pursue compensation
- Your payout will be reduced based on how much the crash was your fault
- For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible, you could still receive 80% of the total award
This system allows injury victims to get help, even when things are complicated. A Pasadena Injury Lawyer can explain how the law applies to your case and help protect your rights.
Why You Should Hire a Speeding Accident Lawyer in Pasadena
Speeding accidents can quickly turn into a complicated legal process. Insurance companies often try to place the blame elsewhere or offer less than what your case is worth. An experienced attorney can make a difference by stepping in early and building a strong case. Here's how legal help supports you:
- Use expert testimony, crash reports, and speed analysis to prove the other driver was at fault
- Deal with insurance companies and push back against unfair offers
- Handle medical lien agreements and help manage medical treatment costs
- Make sure you seek full compensation for your injuries, not just quick settlements
- Take stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing
- Offer free consultations and work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless they win
Choosing a law firm with real experience handling speeding-related accidents gives you a better shot at getting the compensation you deserve.
Let a Local Pasadena Attorney Review Your Case for Free
If the driver who hit you was speeding, you deserve to know your legal options. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti understands the streets of Pasadena, from busy roads near California Institute of Technology to high-risk areas like California State Route 138. Our legal team has years of experience handling freeway accidents, pedestrian injuries, and car crashes involving speeding and reckless driving.
We’re a Pasadena law firm offering real legal services to personal injury victims. Whether you’re facing serious medical bills, missed work, or a tough fight with insurance companies, we’re ready to help. Get accident legal advice today from attorneys who know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call (626) 793-8607 or fill out our contact form now for a free consultation. Don’t wait. California traffic tickets and legal deadlines don’t stop ticking. Talk to our accident & injury lawyers today and find out how much compensation for your damages you may be entitled to.
