At Schmidt&Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to reckless driving encouraged by Snapchat’s dangerous Speed Filter feature. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt&Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit Updates
- Statistics and Legal Precedents
- Snapchat Speed Filter Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit?
- Snapchat Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action in the Snapchat Speed Filter case?
- 2. What should I do if my claim related to Snapchat’s Speed Filter is denied?
- 3. What legal options are available if a loved one was killed in an accident involving Snapchat’s Speed Filter?
- 4. Can I still join the lawsuit if my injuries from an accident involving Snapchat’s Speed Filter were mild?
- 5. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
- 6. What is the current status of the Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuits?
- 7. Is Snapchat still using the Speed Filter in its app?
- 8. How long will it take to resolve my Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
- 9. What makes the Snapchat Speed Filter case different from other app-related lawsuits?
- 10. Who is eligible to file a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit Overview
The Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuits allege that Snap Inc.’s Speed Filter feature encouraged reckless driving, particularly among young users [1]. Parents claim their children used the filter believing they would receive rewards for posting videos exceeding 100 mph. A U.S. District Judge stated there is “realistically no purpose for the Speed Filter other than to encourage users to travel at high speeds.” The feature has been linked to multiple fatal accidents, including a 2017 crash that killed three boys.
Latest Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit Updates
July 30, 2024 – Snapchat continues to face lawsuits alleging that its Speed Filter encouraged dangerous driving behaviors, with a high-profile case involving a 107 mph fatal crash drawing national attention [2].
July 19, 2024 – A U.S. court ordered Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel to be deposed in a lawsuit claiming the Speed Filter contributed to a deadly 107 mph crash.
April 31, 2022 – U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald rejected Snap Inc.’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the complaint alleges that Snap, as a manufacturer, caused accidents through the design of its Speed Filter [3]. Fitzgerald noted, “There is realistically no purpose for the Speed Filter other than to encourage users to travel at high speeds and record themselves doing so.”
Statistics and Legal Precedents
The Snapchat Speed Filter case represents a significant legal precedent in holding social media companies accountable for product design decisions that may encourage dangerous behavior.
Initially, the complaint was dismissed, with the court ruling that Snap was shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects social media companies from liability for third-party content.
However, the Ninth Circuit later reinstated the claims, finding that the case does not stem from third-party content, but rather acts entirely under Snap’s control — namely, the design and implementation of the Speed Filter.
According to Judge Fitzgerald, “It is common sense that adding a speed-sharing feature to a social media application used predominantly by minors and young adults would encourage such users to record themselves while driving at high speeds.”
Snapchat Speed Filter Injuries & Side Effects
The Snapchat Speed Filter has been associated with serious injuries and fatalities resulting from high-speed automobile accidents:
- Fatal Accidents: Multiple deaths, including the three young men in the Wisconsin case
- Catastrophic Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and permanent disabilities
- Property Damage: Destruction of vehicles and property during high-speed crashes
- Emotional Trauma: Psychological impact on survivors and families of victims
Do You Qualify for a Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit if:
- You or a loved one was involved in an accident while using Snapchat’s Speed Filter
- The accident resulted in injuries or death
- You can demonstrate that the Snapchat Speed Filter played a role in causing the accident
- The incident occurred prior to Snapchat’s removal of the filter
- You have documentation of the accident and injuries
Evidence Required for a Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you should gather:
- Medical records documenting injuries sustained
- Police reports from the accident
- Witness statements confirming Snapchat use
- Phone records or digital evidence showing Snapchat was in use at the time of the accident
- Any available surveillance or dashcam footage of the incident
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation from a successful Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Punitive damages against Snap Inc.
Snapchat Recall Information
While Snapchat has not formally “recalled” the Speed Filter, the company has removed this feature from its platform following multiple lawsuits and safety concerns. This removal can be considered an acknowledgment of the feature’s dangers, potentially strengthening cases against the company.
Statute of Limitations for Snapchat Speed Filter Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Some jurisdictions may allow for extended filing periods in cases involving minors or when the connection between the injury and Snapchat’s Speed Filter was not immediately apparent.
It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your jurisdiction.
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FAQs
1. Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action in the Snapchat Speed Filter case?
Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit if you prefer not to join a class action. This might be beneficial if your case involves unique or severe circumstances.
If your claim is denied, consult with an attorney to explore further legal action. An attorney can help challenge the denial and pursue compensation.
3. What legal options are available if a loved one was killed in an accident involving Snapchat’s Speed Filter?
If a loved one was killed, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
4. Can I still join the lawsuit if my injuries from an accident involving Snapchat’s Speed Filter were mild?
Yes, even if your injuries were mild, you may still be eligible to join the lawsuit and seek compensation for any related costs and inconveniences.
5. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
Most attorneys handling these cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney only receives payment if you win your case.
6. What is the current status of the Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuits?
As of March 2025, lawsuits are proceeding through the courts after Snap Inc.’s attempts to dismiss cases have been rejected by judges who found that the Speed Filter’s design encouraged dangerous behavior.
7. Is Snapchat still using the Speed Filter in its app?
No, following multiple lawsuits and safety concerns, Snapchat has removed the Speed Filter from its platform.
8. How long will it take to resolve my Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, but product liability lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, either through settlement or trial.
Unlike other cases involving apps that allegedly caused accidents through distraction, the Snapchat Speed Filter case focuses on how the feature was specifically designed to encourage dangerous behavior, not just distract drivers.
10. Who is eligible to file a Snapchat Speed Filter lawsuit?
Anyone injured in an accident where the Snapchat Speed Filter played a role, or family members of those killed in such accidents, may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
See other product liability cases we’re currently taking.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action against Snap Inc. for injuries related to their Speed Filter. Many states have a statute of limitations of only 2-3 years from the date of injury, after which your legal rights may be permanently lost.
Schmidt & Clark firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Nationwide representation in all 50 states
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by Snapchat’s dangerous product design.
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