We know how every state treats a speeding driver, and we use that to build your strongest case.
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When a Ticket Becomes a Criminal Case
Most states treat speeding as a civil traffic infraction, no matter how far over the limit a driver was going. A handful of states take a fundamentally different approach. In Virginia, for example, driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or faster than 85 miles per hour anywhere in the state, is charged as reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail and a permanent criminal record.
North Carolina applies a similar rule at an even lower threshold. That distinction matters well beyond the criminal courtroom. When a driver who hit you was charged criminally rather than simply ticketed, that fact can become meaningful evidence in the civil case that follows, supporting both the argument that the driver was negligent and, in some states, a claim for punitive damages tied to the recklessness of the conduct.
Why Choose Our Firm
Speeding cases are often underestimated by insurers, who treat a routine-sounding traffic violation as a minor issue, even when the resulting injuries are severe.
We Connect the Criminal Case to Your Civil Claim
Our attorneys are licensed across multiple states and know how to use a criminal reckless driving charge, where applicable, to strengthen the civil case for compensation.
We Understand How Speed Changes Crash Severity
Higher speeds don't just increase the odds of a crash; they dramatically increase the forces involved. We build cases that reflect that physical reality, not just the citation the driver received.
Speed Remains One of the Deadliest Factors on the Road
Speeding hasn't faded as a national safety problem, even as overall traffic deaths have declined in recent years. According to NHTSA, speeding was a contributing factor in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2024, accounting for 11,288 deaths nationwide.
That share has held remarkably steady for more than two decades, which suggests speeding isn't a problem that's solving itself through better vehicle technology or increased awareness alone.
What Commonly Leads to a Speeding-Related Crash
- Excessive speed for road, weather, or traffic conditions
- Racing or aggressive driving between multiple vehicles
- Running late and rushing through decision points like intersections or merges
- Speeding through school zones or construction zones
- Underestimating the stopping distance at higher speeds
Our Roster of Attorneys The Trial Team Insurance Companies Don’t Want on Your Case
Frequently Asked Questions Speeding
Does it matter if the other driver only got a regular speeding ticket, not a criminal charge?
Not necessarily. You can still build a strong civil claim without a criminal charge attached, though the specific evidence available may look different depending on how your state treats the violation.
Can I use the criminal case against the driver to help my civil case?
Often, yes, particularly if there's a conviction. The records, findings, and sometimes the outcome of a related criminal case can support a civil claim, though the two proceedings generally move on separate tracks.
What if the crash happened in a state I don't live in?
That's common in speeding cases involving highway travel, and it doesn't prevent you from pursuing a claim. An attorney familiar with multi-state litigation can help determine where and how to file.
Do I have to pay anything up front?
No. Speeding accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee only comes from a successful settlement or verdict.
