The Albuquerque Journal reports on a tragic accident that killed two and critically injured one person. The crash occurred just after 3 p.m. when a car t-boned a truck near the intersection of Western Trail and Atrisco.

According to authorities, speeding was a factor in the crash. Two of the three people in the car died at the scene, and the truck driver was hospitalized with serious yet non-life threatening injuries.

This collision is an unfortunate reminder that speeding is a deadly practice that not only increases the likelihood of crashing but also raises the risk of causing serious injuries in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,219 speeding-related fatalities in 2012. That means 30 percent of all traffic deaths that year involved speeding.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a crash with a driver who was breaking the speed limit, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. A car accident attorney from The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC can evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and help you navigate the claims process.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Read on to learn the answers to three frequently asked questions about speeding-related collisions:

1. Are males more likely to be involved in fatal speeding-related accidents?

Yes. According to the NHTSA, young males are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal crashes involving speeding. In 2012, 37 percent of male drivers aged 15 to 20 who were involved in deadly accidents were speeding.

Among females, only 24 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal collisions were speeding. In fact, among all age groups, a higher percentage of males are involved in fatal speeding-related accidents compared to females.

2. Are drunk drivers more likely to be involved in fatal speeding-related accidents?

Yes. Data from the NHTSA shows that 42 percent of drivers who were involved in fatal speeding-related crashes in 2012 had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter. Nearly half of all speeding drivers aged 21 to 24 who were involved in fatal collisions had a BAC of at least .08.

3. Is there a correlation between speeding and seat belt use?

Yes. The NHTSA reports that 64 percent of passenger vehicle drivers aged 21 and older who were involved in fatal speeding-related collisions in 2012 were not wearing a seat belt. The percentage is even higher for younger motorists.

Unfortunately, even if you are wearing a seat belt, a high-speed crash is still likely to cause severe injuries. If you were hurt by a driver who was speeding, drunk, or otherwise negligent, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to discuss your options for recovering compensation.

Our attorneys have a combined 32 years of legal experience. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Albuquerque.