Wrong-way driving accidents almost always lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Drivers who get in the way of a wrong-way driver often cannot react in time to safeguard against injury.
Wrong-way head-on collisions can be catastrophic and may lead to wrongful death for the car accident victim. Although wrong-way crashes only account for a small percent of motor vehicle accidents in the United States, nearly all of these accidents are fatal.
This is largely because wrong-way driving often happens due to drunk driving, someone taking an on-ramp or exit ramp from the wrong direction, or at night in a lane closest to the median.
Learn what to do if you get hit in a wrong-way driving accident, from what to do immediately following the car crash to understanding your legal rights and how a car accident lawyer can help.
What To Do If You Get Hit In A Wrong-Way Driving Accident
The time right after an auto accident can be overwhelming. You may be in shock and suffering serious injuries that make it difficult to think clearly. Follow these tips for what to do if you get struck in a wrong-way accident:
1. Move Off The Road And Call 9-1-1
Some injuries or property damage to your vehicle may make it impossible to move, but if you are able to move without harming yourself, get off the road as soon as possible. Call 9-1-1 and wait for the highway patrol or law enforcement to arrive.
Filing a police report is necessary if you choose to file a wrong-way driving injury claim. Most states also require that you report all collisions, so it’s important to have a documented accident report.
2. Contact Medical Care
Most serious injuries require medical care right away. Even if you don’t believe you are injured, getting a medical record on file is a good idea. Some injuries do not show up until hours or days after the crash. Seeking medical treatment ensures that you are safeguarded against any life-threatening injury.
3. Document The Details
A police officer will take note of each motorist’s details, like name, phone number, and other contact information. Be sure you have the other person’s insurance company name, insurance policy number, and license plate number as well.
If you are unable to do this, just make sure someone at the scene of the accident takes down this information so you have it when you need it.
4. Call An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Filing an auto insurance claim may be your first instinct after you’ve recovered from your injuries. While most states require some form of personal injury protection (PIP) policy, an insurance payout for a wrong-way driving accident may not be enough to cover all the costs related to the crash.
Medical expenses, lost wages, and unpaid bills can occur after your collision, and getting compensated for damages may be the only way to get your life and finances back on track after the accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help.
From an initial free case evaluation to begin building a strong attorney-client relationship to gathering the medical records, police report, eyewitness testimonies, and other documentation needed to build a strong case, a lawyer can support you every step of the way.
Causes Of Wrong-Way Driving Car Accidents
Because all wrong-way crashes are caused by one motorist driving in the wrong direction, most of these accidents are preventable. Drivers can avoid wrong-way crashes most of the time by reducing speeds, paying careful attention to signage at all times, always driving sober, and remaining in the proper lane.
Common causes which often lead to wrong-way driving accidents include:
- high speeds
- improper, missing, or damaged signage
- lack of proper lighting on the roadway
- design defects to lane changes
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (drunk driving)
- distracted driving, including texting and driving
- driver fatigue
Common Injuries In A Wrong-Way Crash
Wrong-way collisions tend to result in fatalities. Even if car accident victims are not killed in a wrong-way accident, they can still sustain serious injuries.
Some of the most common injuries seen in wrong-way car accidents include:
- broken bones
- lacerations
- traumatic brain injuries
- head injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- permanent disability
- paralysis
A personal injury attorney can evaluate the details surrounding your injuries and the wrong-way crash. If the at-fault driver was negligent and your injuries are serious, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
Compensation In Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
No matter how wrong-way collisions occur, if the at-fault driver is found to be negligent, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you sustained long-term injuries, such as disability, a wrong-way car accident claim could lead to a settlement offer that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, long-term medical care, and more.
Other personal injury cases include wrongful death claims, such as if you lose a loved one due to wrong-way driving. Compensation for any injury claim is determined based on the type and severity of injuries, how the injuries have affected your life, if you will recover, and other factors.
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How A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been harmed in a wrong-way driving crash, you may be ready to file an injury claim to recover what you lost in the accident. A car accident attorney with experience in wrong-way injury claims can explain your legal rights and offer sound legal advice.
Most reputable car accident lawyers provide an initial free case evaluation. During the evaluation, they will go over the details of the accident, including any medical records and the accident report, and will listen to your account of the incident.
Once an attorney has all the information, they can help you understand whether negligence was involved and if your case is strong enough to file a wrong-way driving accident claim. In some cases, such as with minor injuries and property damage, it may make sense to go through your insurance adjuster.
If your auto insurance policy does not cover the extent of your injuries or fully represent what you’ve lost because of the accident, it may be in your best interest to pursue a lawsuit.
A wrong-way driving accident lawyer with ample experience in this practice area can help you build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. They will offer support throughout the case and help keep you informed, so you can focus your time and energy on recovery.
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File A Wrong-Way Driving Accident Injury Claim
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a wrong-way car accident, seek compensation, and hold the responsible party accountable by filing a personal injury claim.
The law offices of Florin|Roebig have more than 30 years of experience in helping personal injury clients in the state of Florida win fair settlements for injuries that were not their fault, and we are ready to help you get a fair payout for your injuries.
Contact Florin|Roebig law firm for a free consultation to discuss your wrong-way driving accident claim today.
