Speeding leads to many car accidents. In some cases, the speeding driver can be charged with a crime in addition to being held responsible for an accident. If you have been hurt because of a speeding driver, your accident case could be different than others. Read on to find out more. 

The Cause of the Accident

When it comes to accidents, one party will be the at-fault party and the other will be the victim. Unfortunately, speeding can make everything worse when a collision occurs. The faster the vehicles are going, the more likely it is that someone will be seriously hurt. When one vehicle is barely moving, though, and the other driver is speeding, the effects can be equally chilling. The driver found to be at fault for the accident must pay the accident damages for both drivers. 

When It Was No Accident

Some drivers find themselves drifting over the speed limit and that can cause an accident. Other drivers may unconsciously drive faster than they realize because their minds were elsewhere, or they were distracted. However, there are drivers that drive too fast on purpose. Speeding can be thrilling, and some drivers may enjoy the challenge of evading law enforcement, weaving in and out of traffic, or just being the fastest vehicle on the road. When this type of driver causes an accident, they are not only at fault, but victims may be eligible for punitive damages. 

What Are Punitive Damages?

When a judge and jury hear a case about a speeding driver, they may decide that some punishment is warranted. Although these drivers can be arrested and charged with reckless driving and more, that is a criminal matter. Punitive damages can result in a monetary award for those affected by the driver's actions. The amount the victim ends up being paid depends on the driver's insurance policy and their personal financial situation.

However, judges have the power to freeze bank accounts, place liens on property, and garnish wages when insurance won't cover the full judgment. Punitive damages are in addition to the other forms of damage the victims can be paid for. They may also be entitled to payment for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and personal property losses. 

Contact a law firm in your area, such as Higinbotham & Higinbotham LLC, to learn more about how a car wreck lawyer can help you receive compensation.

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