Everybody speeds once in a while. Maybe you’re running late to work or have to catch a flight and decide it’s worth the risk to go a few miles above the speed limit to be on time. After all, most people who speed don’t get caught. Those who do, however, face expensive fines. Moreover, car accidents resulting from speeding violations can lead to serious negative legal consequences.
An accident on Jan. 8 at 6:10 p.m. involving just one car left the two teenage occupants of the car with injuries. The driver, a 17-year-old from Poughquag, sustained a head injury and was semi-conscious when emergency personnel came to the scene. The other passenger, a 15-year-old from Hopewell Junction, mentioned leg pain and had a cut hand when the emergency responders arrived.
Both teens were taken to Saint Francis Hospital. The 15-year-old was released after being treated, according to the police. The driver is still in the hospital, but he is no longer in critical condition, according to hospital staff.
The accident occurred because the car could not negotiate a curve when entering it at high speed, according to state police. The car then slid approximately 100 feet, left the road, and hit a mailbox and then a tree. There was no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved, and both teens were wearing seat belts, according to police.
When excessive speed is involved in a car accident, the resulting bodily harm and property damage may lead to a lawsuit against those responsible. It is important for everyone involved to get good legal advice to know what legal options will help him or her most.
Source: Poughkeepsie Journal, “Police look at speed in teen accident,” Emily Stewart, Jan. 10, 2013
