Many of us view speeding as breaking a minor traffic law and see the only consequence of our actions as getting a speeding ticket. But sometimes the consequences can be much worse and someone may be seriously injured or killed because of something as "inconsequential" as speeding.
Take for example the case of Bobby Harmon. The 34-year-old Phoenix Streets Department electrician went to work the first week of June not knowing that a speeding driver would forever alter his life.
Harmon and other city workers were setting up to work on the south side of Loop 101 when they pulled over on the side of the road to salute the funeral procession of a fallen police officer. While the city workers paid their respects to the officer, a 20-year-old woman was speeding down the road and not paying attention to the traffic slowing in front of her. In an effort to prevent a collision, she veered off of the road and towards the group of electrical workers.
In a moment of quick thinking, Harmon unselfishly pushed one of his co-workers out of the way of the oncoming vehicle, most likely saving the man's life. Harmon, however, was not so fortunate: the young woman collided with one of the city trucks, which then spun around and slammed into Harmon.
As a result of the accident, Harmon suffered serious brain injuries and currently is in a coma at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. His family is asking for help with the thousands of dollars in medical expenses his care is costing — care he would not have needed if the young driver had simply slowed down and paid attention to the road.
Speeding Accounts for One-Third of All Fatal Accidents
The unfortunate truth is that terrible accidents like Harmon's happen every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) speeding is a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal accidents on the nation's roadways.
In 2008, more than 900 people - or nearly three people each day — died in a fatal motor vehicle accident in Arizona. Another 56,000 were injured. The most common cause of these accidents? Speeding.
Speeding accidents cost the state of Arizona more than $2.8 billion each year in economic losses. But as great as this number sounds, these accidents cost individuals and their families even more, both personally and financially.
If you or a loved one has been injured by the acts of a speeding driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Under Arizona law, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including payment of current and future medical expenses, lost wages and other losses attributable to the accident.
