Speeding is a serious danger on the road, causing thousands of severe and fatal accidents each year. When a driver is going too fast, they have less time to react and a higher risk of losing control, making crashes both more likely and more harmful. In a personal injury case, proving the other driver was speeding can be a critical part of showing they were negligent and should be held financially responsible for your injuries and losses. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf.
Types of Evidence That Can Help Prove Speeding
Insurance companies typically look for any reason to minimize or reject your claim, so solid evidence of speeding can make or break your chances at fair compensation. Common types of evidence used include:
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Police Accident Report
Always call the police after a crash occurs, regardless of initial damage or injury assessments. An officer’s formal accident report can include official estimates of both vehicles’ speeds based on their training and scene observations. When an officer documents that the other driver was cited for speeding or reckless driving, it adds a level of authority that carries extra weight during settlement negotiations or in front of a judge
Eyewitness Testimony
Other drivers, passengers, or bystanders who saw the accident unfold can offer vital testimony that supports your account. Getting their stories right away while memories are fresh helps lock in details such as which car appeared to be driving too fast.
Surveillance or Traffic Camera Footage
Footage from red-light or speed cameras, or security video on nearby buildings or intersection corners, can provide evidence about the behavior of every approaching vehicle. Seeing the collision unfold on camera gives insurance adjusters, judges, and juries a clear look at what happened and who may have been at fault or driving too quickly.
Dashcam Footage
Footage from onboard dashcams can show exactly how fast cars were moving leading up to the accident. Since these videos are usually dated and time-stamped, they serve as real-time documentation, helping determine how fast vehicles were moving.
Vehicle Data Recorders (“Black Boxes”)
Many vehicles have built-in crash data boxes that automatically store information about the car’s movements. These devices automatically store details about the car’s speed, braking, pedal position, and other factors in the critical moments leading up to impact. With the proper legal requests, attorneys can access this information to provide technical, third-party confirmation of the other driver’s speed.
Skid Marks and Accident Reconstruction
Tire marks, impact patterns, and scattered debris tell their own story at a crash scene. Experts in accident reconstruction analyze these physical clues to reconstruct driver speeds, positions, and forces during the crash. These results can stand on their own or be paired with video and witness accounts to improve your claim.
Cell Phone and GPS Data
Sometimes cell phone and GPS data can provide evidence of speed as well. Phone and navigation devices record location, route, and real-time movement, showing if someone broke the speed limit before the crash.
If you believe another driver’s speeding caused your accident, working with an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer gives you the best chance at obtaining the necessary evidence and getting the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
