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In Los Angeles, speeding is one of the leading factors contributing to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. When you exceed the speed limit, even just 25 miles per hour (mph), you elevate the risk of losing control, extend the distance required to come to a stop, and limit your capacity to avoid obstacles on the road.
Accidents can happen anytime when you’re unaware of the speed limits. Speeding accidents happen nearly every day, and their frequency continues to increase. While many people enjoy the freedom of driving, it’s important to realize that privileges have consequences.
Seeking the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles accident lawyer who can produce effective outcomes can help us understand speeding dangers. This ensures we do not become part of the grim statistics, as speeding accidents can tragically lead to death.
If you or a loved one is an accident victim, do not hesitate to contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation and legal assistance to pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
Understanding The Basic Speed Law
California Vehicle Code 22350: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
In accordance with California’s Basic Speed Law, motorists are obligated to drive at a safe and responsible speed, regardless of the posted speed limit. Awareness of this legal provision often only arises when individuals receive citations from law enforcement agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol, local police, or county sheriff’s deputies.
Violations of California’s Basic Speed Law may result in fines ranging from $150 to $400. However, it is important to recognize that the underlying purpose of this law is to protect the well-being of individuals and the integrity of property, particularly in the context of accidents related to excessive speed, both within the state of California and beyond.
Speed Limit Rules in Los Angeles
Speed limit rules in Los Angeles vary depending on the specific area. Generally, speed limits are lower in areas with more road users to enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers. These varied speed limits are crucial for maintaining road safety and reducing accident risks.
Places where the speed limit is lower include:
- Alleys
- Residential areas
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Business districts
- Railroad crossings,
- Blind intersections,
- Highways with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or less
In Los Angeles, highways and freeways have a maximum speed limit of 65 mph. It is important to adhere to the posted speed limit signs, which may or may not be present. When there are no signs, it is advisable to assume that the maximum speed limit on these high-speed roads is 65 mph.
Exceeding the speed limit can lead to fines, the amount of which is determined by the extent of the violation. For instance, surpassing the speed limit by 15 mph may result in a $100 fine, while going 25 mph over the limit could lead to a maximum fine of $200.
In addition to fines, speeding violations can incur points on your driver’s license. Accumulating excessive points could result in the loss of your license. Therefore, it’s important to follow the speed limit and drive safely!
The Four Major Speed Laws in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, there are four major speed laws. Each speed law imposes different requirements for drivers based on the number of residents in the city. The overarching goal is to protect everyone on or near the road.
Basic Speed Law
According to California’s Basic Speed Law, drivers are not permitted to exceed a safe speed based on the conditions of the roadway and the weather. Therefore, driving the speed limit may be considered excessively fast in relation to the environment.
The following factors should be considered as you are driving:
- Weather – Is it raining or snowing, and you need to slow down for your safety? Or is it sunny with 100% visibility?
- Number of Vehicles on the Road – Are there a lot of drivers around you? Is the 65 mph speed limit too fast in comparison to the traffic?
- General Traffic Flow – Is everyone going the speed limit, or are other drivers slowing down because of rush hour or an accident nearby?
- Pedestrians – Are there pedestrians or bicyclists near your lane? Can you switch lanes to give them more space and prioritize safety?
- Construction Zones – Is there construction occurring on the freeway or in a business district? Are there speed limit signs or detours to your destination?
- Road Surface -Are you driving on hills or flat surfaces? Are there speed bumps nearby?
- Animal Signage – Are there warning signs for animals in the area? Should you be more cautious?
- Nearby Accidents or Cars Pulled Over – Are you on a two-lane road? Is it possible for you to merge over to the other lane?
The Basic Speed Law applies to commercial drivers who operate towing vehicles, buses, and large trucks. However, there are some additional conditions to ensure safe driving. In order to drive safely, you should drive in the right-most lane or the second-rightmost lane, depending on the number of lanes on your road.
In addition, there is signage about reduced speed limits for commercial vehicles around the state, serving as a precaution due to the extra weight your vehicle holds. Wherever you are driving, remember that your vehicle may create large gusts of wind that may impact cars or pedestrians around you.
Prima Facie Speed Law
A Prima Facie Speed Law mandates maximum speed limits in areas where speed limit signage may not be visible but should be known and followed. You will be cited if you do not adhere to this speed law. For example, if you are driving 30 mph on a street in a neighborhood that does not have a posted speed limit, you have violated Prima Facie.
The Prima Facie Speed Limit for school zones, residential areas, and business districts is 25 mph. If the speed limit is marked otherwise, follow them. For instance, some school zones may limit speed to 15 mph. Even if there are no marked signs, the Prima Facie Speed Law ensures that everyone drives at a safe speed based on their surroundings.
Maximum Speed Law
In Los Angeles, the Maximum Speed Law is the most well-known speed law. This law simply states that you are not permitted to exceed the posted speed limit, which is applicable when passing slow drivers. Due to the potential danger of exceeding the speed limit or following the traffic flow, you should not exceed the speed limit or go with the traffic flow.
The common misconception regarding this law is that officers utilize speed traps to monitor driver speeds. Speed traps involve calculating the time between each checkpoint and calculating the speed at which the driver traveled between the two checkpoints. Speed traps are not permitted in California, so if you were speeding in between the two, you would receive a ticket. This does not give individuals a right to speed, however, radar devices are still legal, and if caught speeding, you receive a citation.
Minimum Speed Law
The California Minimum Speed Law prohibits drivers from driving too slowly, as this interferes with traffic flow and poses a threat to other drivers. Despite misconceptions, it is indeed possible to receive a citation for driving below the set minimum speed limit, although such instances are not widespread.
Understanding The Different Categories of Speeding Violations
In Los Angeles, speeding violations are categorized into different types, each with its own set of consequences.
The most common types of speeding violations include:
- Basic Speeding Violation: This occurs when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. The severity of the violation depends on how much the speed limit has been exceeded.
- Excessive Speeding Violation: This is a more serious offense where a driver exceeds the speed limit by a significant margin, usually 25 mph or more. This type of violation carries heavier penalties and may have more severe consequences.
- Reckless Driving: Excessive speeding coupled with dangerous driving behavior, such as weaving in and out of traffic or running red lights, can lead to a reckless driving charge. This is a misdemeanor offense and can have serious legal implications.
Understanding these different categories of speeding violations will help you gauge the potential consequences and take appropriate measures to avoid them.
Essential Tips for Avoiding Speeding Tickets in Los Angeles
The best way to avoid speeding tickets is to prevent them. Here are some practical tips that will assist you in avoiding speeding violations in Los Angeles:
- Observe Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas, school zones, and construction zones. Be aware of changing speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Pay Attention to Road Signs: Stay alert and keep an eye out for speed limit signs, as well as any signs indicating reduced speed limits in specific areas. Ignorance of posted speed limits is not a valid defense.
- Use Cruise Control: Utilizing your vehicle’s cruise control feature can help you maintain a consistent speed and reduce the risk of unintentionally exceeding the speed limit.
- Be Mindful of Traffic Conditions: Adjust your speed to match the traffic flow. Driving significantly faster or slower than the surrounding vehicles can increase the likelihood of being pulled over.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in speed limits or traffic laws in Los Angeles. Being informed about these updates will help you stay in compliance with the law.
By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of receiving a speeding ticket and maintain a safe driving record in Los Angeles.
What Are Some Common Speeding-Caused Accident Injuries
The attorneys at Arash Law have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the severe, gruesome injuries sustained in speeding collisions.
Speeding-related accidents in Los Angeles frequently result in severe pain, suffering, and damage. These accidents include the following:
- Wrongful death.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI),
- Spinal cord injury, including whiplash and disc burst fractures,
- Broken bones/fractures (compound and internal breaks),
- Amputation, missing limb, or dismemberment,
- Blindness, hearing loss, or vegetative states,
- Neurological and muscular mishaps,
Some clients will need to have surgery or be forced to undergo physical rehabilitation. The liability and medical experts will help you with psychological counseling for speeding accident-related stress therapy, speech therapist meetings, long-term nursing care, and occupational therapy.
The Statute of Limitations in California
In accordance with the provisions outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 335.1, individuals who have sustained injuries as a result of an accident are granted a specific window of opportunity to initiate legal proceedings. Specifically, you have a time frame of two years, commencing from the date of the accident, within which you can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages.
It is vital to recognize that the passage of time can significantly impact your ability to pursue legal recourse. As time elapses, the likelihood of forfeiting your right to sue increases. Consequently, it is imperative to take prompt action to protect your legal interests.
Injured In A Speeding Accident? Protect Your Rights – Call Arash Law Today!
If you or your loved one has suffered severe injuries in a speeding-related accident in Los Angeles, remember that you’re not alone. At Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to investigating the circumstances of the accident that caused the injuries. Our goal is to develop a strong legal strategy to obtain rightful compensation on your behalf. We are fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case through negotiations.
Our commitment to pursuing justice knows no geographical boundaries. We remain steadfast in our dedication to your case and have extended our reach to provide unwavering support. We proudly stand in solidarity with victims in neighboring cities around Los Angeles, including Huntington Park, Commerce, Maywood, Monterey Park, Bell, Glendale, South Pasadena, South Gate, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, West Hollywood, Alhambra, and Montebello.
Call (888) 488-1391 now to schedule your free consultation so you can take the first crucial step towards obtaining the justice and compensation required to move forward.
