Many drivers in Tennessee treat posted speed limits as loose suggestions rather than firm rules, assuming they can safely go five or ten miles per hour over the limit without consequence. However, under Tennessee law, exceeding the posted speed limit by any amount is a traffic violation. And, if that violation leads to a preventable collision, it can form the basis of a car accident claim.
Speeding reduces your ability to react to sudden changes on the road and makes collisions far more severe when they do happen. Learn more about these crashes below and the types of compensation you may be entitled to as a victim.
Tennessee Speed Limit Laws
Speed limits in Tennessee are set under T.C.A. § 55-8-152 and vary depending on the type of road. The standard posted limits across the state are:
- 70 mph on interstates and controlled-access highways
- 65 mph on divided highways
- 55 mph on undivided highways and two-lane roads
- 30 mph in residential areas
- 15 mph in school zones when children are present
Tennessee also has what is known as a basic speed law. Per T.C.A. § 55-8-136, drivers must always operate at a speed that is reasonable and safe given current conditions. That means even driving at the posted limit could be considered unsafe during something like heavy rain. A driver who causes a wreck in poor conditions may still be found negligent in those circumstances without technically exceeding the speed limit.
How Tennessee’s Comparative Negligence Rule Can Affect Your Claim
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% responsible, your total award would be reduced by that same percentage.
However, there is a critical cutoff. If your fault reaches 50% or more, you lose the right to recover anything at all. This is one reason why working with a Nashville personal injury attorney is likely in your best interest. The other side will likely try to shift as much blame onto you as possible, and having legal representation helps protect you from unfair fault determinations.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Speeding Accident Claim?
If a speeding driver caused your crash, you can pursue both economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim in Tennessee.
Economic damages compensate you for the financial costs tied to your injuries:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the accident on your daily life:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced quality of daily living
In cases where the speeding driver’s behavior was especially reckless, punitive damages could also come into play. These are not awarded to compensate you but rather to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Contact Woodard Injury Law After a Speeding-Related Car Accident in Tennessee
Speeding is one of the most preventable causes of serious car accidents; drivers who choose to ignore posted limits should be held liable when their recklessness injures someone else. If that happened to you, Woodard Injury Law can help you understand your options and fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation at (615) 640-3648. We work on contingency, meaning you only pay attorney’s fees if we win your case.