SPEEDING IN THE CARPOOL LANE

The Sacramento Bee asked a very interesting question in a recent December article, “How fast should you drive in the carpool lane?” Of course, the answer to that question largely depends on who is answering the question.

According to the article, many drivers exceed the posted speed limit on freeways by 10 mph. Apparently, drivers have learned that CHP officers usually do not stop drivers for speeding if they do not exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph. However, as the article cautions, officers can and do stop drivers for speeding even when the violation is under 10 mph.

Speeding in the carpool lane can be dangerous. As one driver pointed out, when the lane to the right is “bottled up,” slower drivers can unexpected change lanes. If you are traveling 75 mph in the carpool lane and a slower driver darts over from the “fast lane” to your right, you may not be able to avoid a collision.

Is the Carpool Lane the Fast Lane?

According to the CHP, the carpool lane is not considered the “fast lane.” CHP spokesman Chad Hertzell said, “During commute hours, it wouldn’t be safe to go faster than 65 in the carpool lane. We’ve seen accidents with people in the carpool lane going too fast.” Drivers should not speed in the carpool lane, especially during hours when other lanes to the right are bogged down with traffic. Speeding in the carpool lane creates an extremely dangerous situation where someone can be seriously or fatally injured.

Freeway Accidents

Freeway accidents cause traumatic injuries. Often, accidents on the freeway are much worse due to the high speeds the vehicles are traveling at the time of the collision. In addition, commercial vehicles using the freeways cause catastrophic accidents, especially at high rates of speed.

Injuries that are common in freeway accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including total and partial paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns, disfigurement, and scarring
• Injury to internal organs and internal bleeding
• Broken bones and fractures

Because many freeway accidents involve multiple vehicles, determining liability in a freeway accident is difficult. However, determining fault in an accident is essential to recover compensation for injuries, losses, and damages. An experienced Sacramento freeway accident attorney understands the complexities of handling a freeway accident. If you are injured in an accident, our Sacramento freeway accident attorney can help protect your right to recover full compensation from the driver or drivers who caused the collision.

Call A Sacramento Freeway Accident Attorney for Help

When another driver causes a collision that results in injuries, that driver is responsible for damages caused by the collision. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional suffering, and physical pain.  Depending on the circumstances, you may also be entitled to additional compensation for other damages.

To learn about your legal options after a motor vehicle accident, call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000. You may also chat with a representative on our website at your convenience to learn more about filing an accident claim.