One of the hallmarks of reckless driving is illegal speeding. Unfortunately, the probability of death or serious injury rises with impacts at higher speeds. According to some estimates, the risk of serious death or injury doubles for every ten miles per hour over 50 miles per hour that a vehicle is traveling. As a result, pedestrians and bicyclists struck by cars driving 40 miles per hour are eight times more likely to die than a pedestrian or bicyclist struck at 20 miles per hour. A recent news report detailed a dangerous car accident that led to a massive 23-car crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
According to the news report, the crash occurred early in the morning on Saturday, January 27, 2024, when a speeding blue 2018 Honda Civic may have contributed to a chain-reaction 23-car crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Authorities said the car was traveling westbound on the Bay Bridge on US 50 at a high rate of speed and erratically between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. Another 20 vehicles were involved in a series of secondary crashes, transportation officials said on Saturday afternoon. Multiple injuries were reported, according to MDTA, and the Bay Bridge was closed for hours. The multi-vehicle collision sent two people to local hospitals with serious injuries and 11 other people went to local hospitals, too. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, transportation officials said. While first responders worked to clear the bridge of impediments, drivers were stuck with nowhere to go.
What is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?
Speeding is a massive cause of car accidents throughout the country. Some estimates project that speeding is a contributing factor in over a third of all accidents nationwide. Approximately 41 percent of drivers surveyed admitted to frequently or sometimes driving 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on the highway (roads with speed limits over 55 miles per hour). An additional 37 percent of drivers admitted to driving 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on residential streets (roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour) in the past 30 days.
Have You Been a Victim of a Washington D.C. Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed as a result of another driver’s negligence in a Washington D.C. car accident, contact the D.C. personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to consult with an experienced accident attorney. The attorneys at our firm are ready to use their knowledge and compassion to help handle complex cases involving car accidents. Expenses and injuries sustained in a car or truck accident can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of accident attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our dedicated team of D.C. lawyers helps clients better understand their rights and recover damages for their injuries and losses. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at 1-800-654-1949.