Were You Injured In A Wrong Way Collision?
Wrong way collisions have some of the most devastating consequences of any car accident. What is even more frustrating for accident victims is that these kinds of crashes are preventable and are almost always the result of human error, like falling asleep at the wheel or drunk driving. The damages involved with this type of crash are usually significant, making it especially important for accident victims to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer about seeking compensation from the at-fault party who caused their collision.
Driver Error
Wrong way crashes occur when a vehicle that is traveling in the opposite direction of the legal flow of traffic, collides with another driver who was traveling in the right direction. They often occur on highways, especially exit ramps and are usually the result of driver error, such as:
- Drunk driving, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimating that as many as 50 percent of all wrong way crashes are caused by inebriated drivers;
- Falling asleep at the wheel, which is especially common late at night, or early in the morning and on rural roads;
- Confused driving, which tends to occur most often amongst the elderly and those with cognitive issues, although it can also affect healthy drivers who are unfamiliar with the area; and
- Distracted driving, which can result in a driver failing to notice one-way street signs, or the flow of traffic.
While human error is responsible for most wrong way crashes, it is not the only thing that contributes to these kinds of devastating accidents.
Third Party Negligence
Other drivers are usually responsible for wrong way accidents. Some collisions, however, aren’t the result of a single person’s negligence, but can be attributed to:
- Mechanical failure, including faulty brakes, tire issues, and steering problems, all of which can cause a driver to lose control and enter oncoming traffic;
- Road work and road construction, which can result in changes in the flow of traffic and confusing detours; and
- Poor road design that doesn’t allow for easy access to oncoming traffic without indicating to drivers how to merge safely; and
- Poor or missing road signage.
Whatever the cause, wrong way accidents tend to lead to serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries.
Wrong Way Accident Injuries
The injuries sustained by wrong way accident victims are usually serious, as these types of crashes tend to occur at high speeds. Wrong way crashes are also more likely to result in significant property damage, leaving victims trapped in their cars, which can prove deadly in the event of an engine fire. Drivers and passengers often suffer from:
- Fractured and crushed bones;
- Amputations;
- Facial injuries;
- Head trauma;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Internal injuries; and
- Burns.
Treating these kinds of catastrophic injuries can be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, injured parties in Florida who sustain serious injuries in car accidents can often recover compensation from the person or entity responsible for the crash.
Schedule a Meeting with Our Legal Team Today
If you’d like to speak with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer about your legal options, please call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 today.
Resource:
fdot.gov/traffic/its/projects-deploy/wrong-way-driving
