While wrong-way accidents are not the most common type of car accidents we see, they are important to discuss for one major reason: They so often result in serious injuries or death. Learn about the causes of these types of accidents and how you can reduce the chance that you will be involved in one. If you have already been in a wrong-way accident, or you have lost a loved one in this type of accident, we urge you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Why Are Wrong-Way Accidents So Dangerous?
First, let us discuss the reasons that wrong-way accidents are so dangerous. The fact that both vehicles are moving full speed already makes the accident more dangerous, but when you add in the fact that there is little time to brake, you can see that there is a serious amount of impact and both vehicles can end up sustaining serious damage. While everyone in a vehicle is at danger during a wrong-way crash, the driver and front-seat passenger are the most at-risk for serious injury.
The Top Cause of Wrong-Way Accidents
Though there are numerous potential causes of wrong-way accidents, the most common is drug and / or alcohol use. A driver who is under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol is often disoriented. As a result, they may enter a roadway or freeway ramp the wrong way. They may drive the wrong way down a one-way street. This is why a police officer investigating a wrong-way accident is going to first assess the toxicology report of the wrong-way driver.
Other Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
While drug and alcohol abuse may be the top causes of wrong-way accidents, they are not the only causes. Other common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Poorly placed road signs
- Unmarked roads or ramps
- Poor lighting
- Drivers being unfamiliar with the area in which they are driving
In some cases, more than one of these factors come together to make a very dangerous situation that results in a wrong-way accident. Knowing these common causes can help you prevent making these potentially-deadly mistakes yourself.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney if You Have Suffered Due to a Wrong-Way Accident
Whether you were in the victim in a wrong-way accident or you lost a loved one, working with a personal injury attorney is the best way to get the financial justice you are owed. While nothing can take back what happened, you may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible in civil court. This can give you the closure you need and can give you the ability to recover.
Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 today if you are in need of a free legal consultation. We can help you understand your case and decide if it is worth pursuing.
