California Speed Laws

cartwrightlaw - June 6, 2024 -

Speeding is one of the most common driving violations, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. In California, speed laws are in place to help keep roads safe for everyone.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of reckless driving, a Vacaville car accident lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation for your loss or injury.

What is the Basic Speed Law in California?

In California, there is a basic speed law that applies to all drivers.

According to Vehicle Code § 22350 VC, every driver must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent based on the current road conditions.

What counts as a reasonable and safe speed depends on the specific circumstances or facts of each situation. The courts in California have identified many important factors that determine whether a speed is reasonable and safe or not.

For example, the type of area matters – if you were driving in a crowded business district, residential neighborhood, or remote rural road.

Other key factors include if there were pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals nearby when you were driving. The current road conditions are important too, like if the street was slippery or wet, or if your view was obstructed in any way by hills, curves, or bright sunlight.

The presence of railroad crossings in the area can also impact what constitutes a safe speed. Essentially, you have to pay attention to the driving environment around you and adjust your speed as needed to drive safely given all the circumstances.

Even if you are driving below the posted speed limit, you can still receive a ticket for violating the basic speed law if your speed is unsafe for the conditions.

Some factors that determine a safe speed include:

Traffic conditions
Weather conditions
Visibility
Road characteristics (curves, hills, construction zones, etc.)

Speed limits are set based on ideal driving conditions and the design of the road. It’s important to follow posted limits but also adjust your speed as needed based on the basic speed law.

Drivers Often Violate Speed Laws

Despite the clear laws and risks, speeding remains a major problem on California roads.

According to data from the California Highway Patrol, over 1 million speeding citations are issued each year in the state. And those are just the drivers who were caught – many more likely to speed without getting pulled over.

Some common reasons drivers speed include:

Being in a hurry
Thinking they won’t get caught
Not understanding posted limits
Feeling comfortable at higher speeds
Aggressive driving habits

If you drive faster than the maximum speed limit or violate the basic speed law in California, there are three possible consequences:

You could get a speeding ticket and have your driver’s license suspended.
Points could be added to your driving record.
If you cause a car accident because you were speeding, you could be found negligent or at fault.

Speeding is a Common Cause of Crashes

Speeding significantly increases your risk of being in a crash. The faster you drive, the more distance is required to safely stop or react to a hazard. At higher speeds, crashes also tend to be more severe with greater damage and injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes nationwide. In 2020 alone, over 11,000 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes in the United States.

Holding Speeding Drivers Liable for Injuries

If a speeding driver causes a crash that injures you or a loved one, they can be held liable through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This means they may be required to pay for your accident-related damages such as:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs
Pain and suffering
Other related costs

To recover compensation, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was speeding and that their speeding directly caused the crash and your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.

Get Help From A Vacaville Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was hurt by a speeding driver in California, our Cartwright Law Firm team of skilled car accident lawyers is here to help you get justice.

We have extensive experience handling speeding-related car accident cases and won’t rest until you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today by calling (415) 851-6486 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t let a speeding driver get away with putting your life at risk.