The Problem With “Acceptable” Speeding

Were you hurt in a speeding-related crash in Texas? You’re not alone—and you’re not to blame for a culture that treats speeding like no big deal. At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we stand with injured Texans and their families to pursue justice, accountability, and real results—so you can move forward with support.

Hit by a Speeding Driver? You Have Rights and We’re Here to Protect Them

Speeding is one of the most common factors in serious crashes across Texas, yet a dangerous culture of “acceptable” speeding continues to shape driver behavior. From the long stretches of I-35 and I-10 to busy highways in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, many drivers treat going 5–15 mph over the limit as normal. But when a crash happens, that “minor” speeding can become a major legal and financial issue. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Texas speeding accident, call 888-298-4070 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here 24/7. And you don’t pay unless we win.

Is Minor Speeding Really That Harmless?

Texas uses “prima facie” speed limits, meaning the posted number isn’t a free pass—it must be reasonable for the conditions. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.351, even drivers going under the limit can be cited or held liable if they’re driving too fast for weather, traffic, or road conditions.

It might feel harmless to drive a little over the speed limit—but that small choice can change everything in an instant. In reality, every extra mile per hour can do the following:

• Reduce your reaction time
• Lengthen stopping distances
• Increase crash force and injury severity

In legal claims, that so-called “minor” speeding can reduce your compensation, or even prevent you from recovering anything.

What Happens When a Crash Involves Speeding?

“Acceptable” speeding stops being socially acceptable after a crash. Even a small amount of speeding can be viewed as negligence. In Texas, comparative negligence law prevents recovery if you are more than 50% at fault. That extra speed can shift liability against you, even in cases where you weren’t the primary cause.

Insurance Companies Use Speeding to Reduce Claims

Texas is an at-fault state, which means insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts. One of the easiest ways they do this is by pointing to speeding—even minor speeding—as a factor. They may argue the crash wouldn’t have happened, or that injuries wouldn’t have been as severe, if the driver had been at or below the limit. Without a strong legal response, this can lead to reduced or denied compensation.

Police Leniency Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Be Liable

Police officers in Texas often use discretion when it comes to ticketing drivers just 5–10 mph over the limit. This has led to a widespread belief that minor speeding is acceptable. But the truth is, a lack of citation does not equal a lack of liability. In civil court, “everybody does it” isn’t a defense. Evidence, not custom, determines fault.

Does Speed Magnify Harm in a Crash?

No matter how routine speeding might seem, physics doesn’t cut corners. A few extra miles per hour can have devastating consequences.

• A small increase in speed significantly raises crash energy and injury risk.
• Stopping distances grow with every extra mph.
• Safety systems like airbags are tested for specific speeds—exceeding them reduces their effectiveness.

These factors matter on Texas highways, especially with heavy truck traffic, unpredictable weather, and frequent lane changes.

Work Zones and School Zones: No Tolerance for Speeding

In work and school zones, there’s no margin for “acceptable” speeding. Texas law imposes strict penalties, and courts take these cases seriously. If someone is injured in a work or school zone crash—even at just a few mph over the limit—the consequences can include doubled fines, aggravated liability, and punitive damages.

Why Drivers Speed—and Why It’s Still No Excuse

Modern life is full of traffic, stress, and tight schedules. Many people speed because they’re running late, frustrated, or emotionally detached behind the wheel. But no errand, appointment, or deadline is worth a life-changing injury. If someone else’s impatience put your life at risk, we’re here to hold them accountable.

How Crash Data Can Make or Break a Case

Modern investigations go far beyond just witness statements. Today’s vehicles often include built-in tools that provide hard evidence, such as:

• Event Data Recorders (EDRs): Also known as “black boxes,” these track speed, braking, and steering just before a crash.
• Telematics systems: Found in newer vehicles or insurance-monitored cars and record driving behavior in real time.
• Dash cameras: Capture the moments leading up to the crash, showing how traffic was flowing and who was at fault.

This technology makes it much harder for at-fault drivers—or their insurance companies—to downplay speed. The numbers don’t lie.

Why Trust Guss?

At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we understand how fast a normal day can turn into a nightmare. One careless driver, a few extra miles per hour—and suddenly your health, job, and peace of mind are on the line. That’s where we come in.

Decades of Experience

We’ve spent more than 20 years standing up for injured Texans and their families, especially in cases where insurance companies try to shift blame or minimize speeding as “no big deal.” We know how they operate—and we know how to fight back.

Personalized Support

When you work with us, you’re never treated like a case number. We listen. We explain your rights clearly and thoroughly. And we move fast to protect your future—gathering evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters, and fighting for every dollar you deserve.

24/7 Availability With No Upfront Fees

We’re available 24/7, and we’ll fight to help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to. That’s our commitment: to support you fully, fight relentlessly, and treat your case with the attention and dignity it deserves.

How We Support You

• Gathering black box data and traffic footage
• Challenging assumptions about “acceptable” speeding
• Handling all communications with adjusters and opposing counsel
• Preparing a strong, evidence-backed case for full compensation

Our Texas Speeding Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help

If you’ve been injured because another driver was going “just a little over” the limit, you may still be entitled to full compensation. “Acceptable” speeding may be common in Texas, but it carries serious legal consequences. Reach out to Trust Guss Injury Lawyers 24/7 at 888-298-4070 or online. We’ll fight for the compensation you need to move forward.