Los Angeles Speeding Accident Lawyers Prestige Law Firm P.C.

The cornerstone of speeding law is the Basic Speed Law (CVC §22350). It prohibits drivers from going faster than is “reasonable or prudent” based on traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions.

This means that even if a driver is at or below the posted limit, they can still be breaking the law if their speed was unsafe for the circumstances.

The state also sets maximum and presumed limits. Under CVC §22349, the general maximum is 65 mph on most highways and 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways, unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed by the Department of Transportation or appropriate local agency upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey.In addition, CVC §22352 creates “presumed limits” of 25 mph in school zones and residential areas and 15 mph in alleys, near railroad crossings, or blind intersections. These presumed limits are designed to protect the most vulnerable members of the community

California places stricter rules on larger and commercial vehicles. CVC §22406 limits trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers to 55 mph. Under CVC §22406.1, it is a misdemeanor if a commercial driver exceeds the limit by more than 15 mph.
These rules exist because heavy vehicles at high speeds cause some of the most catastrophic accidents on Los Angeles freeways.

California law also includes Evidence Code §669, known as the doctrine of negligence per se.

This means that if a driver violates a safety law, such as the speeding or reckless driving statutes and that violation causes injury, the driver is presumed negligent in a civil case.

This principle often plays a central role in holding speeding drivers financially accountable for the harm they cause.

When speeding becomes extreme, it may rise to the level of reckless driving. Under CVC §23103, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others.

If injuries occur, CVC §23104 increases the penalties. If a person’s reckless driving causes bodily injury to someone else, they can be punished with:

• Imprisonment in a county jail for at least 30 days but no more than six months.
• A fine of at least $220 but no more than $1,000.
• Both the fine and imprisonment.

Additionally, CVC §23109 prohibits illegal street racing and “exhibitions of speed,” both of which remain persistent dangers on Los Angeles roads

Even if the victim shares some responsibility for the crash, California’s pure comparative negligence rule (Civil Code §1714) allows recovery of damages, reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.

Claims must also be filed on time. The general statute of limitations is two years for personal injury and wrongful death claims (CCP §335.1).
Claims against government entities, such as accidents involving unsafe roads or public vehicles, must be filed within six months under the California Tort Claims Act (Gov. Code §911.2).

Some California roadways require additional speed restrictions to maintain safety and traffic flow, particularly for large or heavy vehicles.

Under California Vehicle Code §22407, the Department of Transportation or a local authority may lower speed limits for certain vehicles when standard limits are unsafe.
This authority applies when:

• Engineering and traffic studies show the standard 55 mph limit is not reasonable
• The restriction targets vehicles with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more, such as commercial trucks
• The reduced speed is necessary for safety or traffic efficiency, especially on highway grades

The new speed limit can be 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, or 20 mph. This new limit is chosen to be the most appropriate for safety and for the smooth flow of traffic. The new speed limit is only legally effective for these vehicles when signs are put up on the highway to notify drivers of the change.

On the other end of the spectrum, CVC §22400 prohibits drivers from going so slowly that they block traffic, unless slower speeds are necessary for safety.

With over two decades of experience representing personal injury victims throughout Los Angeles County jurisdiction, including cases filed at the Palmdale Courthouse and other regional courts, our attorneys know how to prepare cases for litigation when necessary.We have handled cases involving substantial damages; results depend on the facts and evidence of each case.

We don’t push clients to settle quickly. We prepare cases as if they may go to trial, which can support negotiations depending on the circumstances.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., clients typically have direct communication with an attorney and receive regular updates on case progress. We believe every client deserves personal attention, clear communication, and a strong advocate by their side.

We handle a range of matters, including complex injury cases, based on capacity and fit. Each case is approached with careful attention and appropriate allocation of firm resources, guided by the facts, legal issues, and client objectives involved.

Lead attorney Paul Aghabala has firsthand experience as defense counsel for insurance companies, and several of our staff members are former insurance adjusters. This inside perspective allows us to anticipate common insurer evaluation practices and respond strategically.

Beyond legal strategy, we may provide referrals to medical providers and resources when requested; medical outcomes depend on individual circumstances and care providers.

Our attorneys are respected across Los Angeles and have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and other legal directories, demonstrating our reputation for excellence in personal injury litigation.

We specialize in severe cases involving brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and surgical interventions. These cases often require careful documentation and litigation readiness; we provide thorough, attorney-led representation.