Florida drivers face new rules on major roads after lawmakers passed laws targeting extreme speeds. The new super-speeding law changes how drivers who speed on local highways are penalized. If a speeding driver hits your car, this new law changes how you prove fault and seek compensation in a civil claim.
The 50 mph super speeding threshold
The Super Speeder Law targets drivers going 50 mph or more over the speed limit. The state made these strict rules to stop severe crashes on busy Orlando roads, such as I-4 and US-27.
When police catch a driver going 50 mph over the limit, the driver faces criminal charges rather than a standard traffic ticket. This change shows the extreme danger that fast driving causes for other people. When a driver faces criminal charges for their speed, that ticket becomes a main part of your civil claim.
How traffic violations help prove civil negligence
A criminal speeding ticket punishes the driver and provides strong evidence when you file an injury claim. Florida law uses a doctrine called negligence per se, which means that the traffic violation can serve as compelling evidence of negligence for a jury to consider. The driver must also cause the type of harm the law meant to stop.
Proving fault after a highway collision involves gathering specific evidence:
- Police reports: The official crash report lists the super speeding ticket and what the officer saw.
- Crash data recorders: Modern cars store speed and braking data from the moments before the crash.
- Traffic camera footage: Video from highway cameras or local stores can prove the speed of the driver.
- Witness statements: Other drivers can describe the reckless driving before the crash.
This evidence strengthens your claim. The speeding ticket serves as strong evidence that the driver breached their duty.
Seeking compensation after a high-velocity collision
Crashes at high speeds create massive force. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding increases the chance of a crash and makes the injuries worse. When fast drivers hit other cars, the victims often suffer spinal cord trauma, brain injuries, severe broken bones and internal bleeding.
Victims can seek compensation to cover the following losses:
- Medical bills: A civil claim can help pay for emergency room bills and ongoing physical therapy.
- Future care: It can also cover home modifications and future medical care.
- Lost wages: It can replace lost income if the injury stops you from returning to work.
Proving these long-term needs helps match the final settlement to the true cost of the crash.
The financial reality of high-speed crashes
A super speeding ticket changes the path of a car accident claim. A driver might face criminal charges under Florida law for driving 50 mph over the speed limit, which makes their fault in a civil case much clearer. This shifts the focus to identifying the long-term costs of the injuries because you spend less time arguing over who caused the crash. Seeking comprehensive compensation requires documenting your immediate medical bills and future financial needs.