Higher Speed Limits Lead to More Car Accidents

 Posted on June 17, 2026 in Car Accidents

Higher speed limits tend to lead to more car accidents and to more serious ones. States may occasionally raise speed limits in an effort to consolidate the flow of traffic. However, this often leads to drivers who are already prone to speeding driving even faster. At higher speeds, crashes that may previously have been minor can become very severe.  

If you were hurt by a speeding driver in 2026, a Carrollton, TX car accident attorney can help you seek compensation.

Why Do States Raise Speed Limits if They Cause More Accidents?

States may raise speed limits to try to accommodate the natural speeds that drivers tend towards on various roads and interstates. States often try to set speed limits at or below the speed at which 85 percent of people drive in normal conditions. The idea is that this reduces large differences in how fast people travel on roads, making the flow of traffic more predictable.

In reality, this isn’t always how things go. Many drivers will continue to drive at the speed at which they are comfortable, or a few miles per hour faster if the speed limit increases. However, some drivers take the increase to mean that they can go even faster than they were before, especially on freeways. Drivers who previously pushed five or ten miles over a 65-mile-per-hour limit often do the same over a 75-mile-per-hour limit.

How Does Speeding Make a Car Accident Worse?

How fast a vehicle is going affects both how likely a crash is and how badly people get hurt when one occurs. Even a small increase in speed can have a significant effect, especially if it involves a less protected person such as a motorcyclist, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian.

Several factors make higher-speed crashes much more dangerous than lower-speed ones.

Longer Stopping Distance

A faster car needs much more room to brake. A driver may not stop in time to avoid a hazard ahead. Other cars on the road moving at high speeds will also need more time to react to other drivers.

Reduced Safety Equipment Effectiveness

Seatbelts and airbags are designed to handle certain forces. Very high speeds can overwhelm them, leading to severe injuries. The body of the car may also compact in toward the occupants more.

Less Control

At high speed, a driver is more likely to lose control of their vehicle, especially in a curve or on a wet road.

Depending on the circumstances, a few extra miles per hour can be the difference between a minor crash and a life-altering injury.

Can Speeding Drivers Be Held Liable for Car Accidents in Texas?

Speeding drivers can be held liable for car accidents they contribute to or cause. This can even apply in situations where the driver wasn’t technically going over the posted speed limit.

Texas uses what's called the basic speed rule. Under this rule, a driver may never go faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions, even if they're under the posted limit (Texas Transportation Code § 545.351). This can mean that going faster than is safe in rain, fog, or another weather condition can lead to liability, even if the driver was under the speed limit.

Texas also sets maximum lawful speed limits. This means that driving above the posted speed is treated as evidence that the speed was unlawful. If it can be proved that the driver who hit you was above the posted speed limit, it may help strengthen your claim that their actions led to the accident.

Can I Recover Damages if I Was Partly at Fault for an Accident?

Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule, so as long as you're 50 percent or less at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of fault.

What Should I Do After a Crash With a Speeding Driver in Texas?

If you're able, take the following steps to protect your health and your claim:

• Call law enforcement if someone else hasn’t already. Get a copy of their incident report.

• Call for medical aid if needed. If you don’t get emergency medical help, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries from car accidents aren’t obvious at first.

• Get contact details for any witnesses before they leave.

• Photograph the vehicles, skid marks, injuries, or any other evidence at the scene.

• Find out if there are any recordings of what happened from other drivers or traffic cameras in the area.

Keep copies of your medical records and crash-related expenses, including lost work hours. They may be compensable if the other driver is found to be at fault.

Call Our Irving, TX Car Accident Attorney Today

Our Carrollton, TX personal injury lawyer is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We're also proud to serve the Spanish-speaking community, as our staff speaks Spanish fluently. 

We handle every case on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees or costs unless you win. Call Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 today for a free consultation.

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