A motorist who drives in the wrong direction on the road can cause a terrible accident, perhaps a head-on collision with severe repercussions. The risks get higher with rising speeds.

The injuries that result from a wrong-way driver car collision can be severe. They can even end in the worst type of scenario: a fatality. The accident could also result in extensive and expensive property damage. In total, the damages could be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a wrong-way driver car accident, you can obtain fast compensation with help from the car accident lawyers at Gould Injury Law. Let us assist you in getting the compensation you deserve as fast as possible. Contact our law office at 888-WIN-FAST. Or fill out the online form and schedule your free consultation today!

Why Wrong-Way Accidents Happen?

Each car accident is the culmination of unique circumstances and facts, yet some common influences contribute to wrong-way car accidents. The following are some of the reasons that are more common causes of wrong-way collisions.

Drivers of an older age

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has conducted studies on wrong-way driver accidents. In their research, they found that many car collisions of this type involved older drivers. It is thought that physical or cognitive difficulties contribute to wrong-way driving accidents.

Research by the NTSB found that 15 percent of wrong-way car accidents in the US involved persons over the age of 70 as drivers. At times, the decision to drive in the wrong direction and the resulting collision may have been caused by poor vision. In other cases, slow reflexes resulted in the older driver proceeding in the wrong direction.

Sadly, in other cases, older people involved in wrong-way car accidents were found to have neurocognitive difficulties. These difficulties could include conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Driving while distracted

Driving in the wrong direction can occur for reasons other than confusion or slow reflexes. A wrong-way driver car accident can happen because a driver moves into the wrong lane because he or she is distracted.

Among the most common causes of distractions that result in a driver going in the wrong way and causing an accident are the following:

  • Texting
  • Conversing with other passengers
  • Distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle
  • Daydreaming
  • Adjusting the radio station
  • Using or paying attention to a GPS system
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Smoking

New or unfamiliar locations

In some instances, wrong-way accidents are caused by drivers who are unfamiliar with the location. This is especially true in bigger cities. Larger cities may make use of one-way streets or have confusing intersections.

A wrong-way collision can occur when a driver is forced to make a fack decision or when there are insufficient signs to indicate the correct direction of a road.

Roads that are poorly lit or marked can contribute to wrong-way accidents. Construction zones also often cause confusion and drivers to go the wrong direction.

Fatigued driving

A number of wrong-way accidents happen at night. The inability to see clearly because of poor lighting can contribute to these types of collisions. Yet, in many wrong-way accidents, it is the fatigued driver who is to blame.

The ability to control a vehicle accurately and safely is diminished when the driver is tired. A drowsy driver responds slower and less accurately to changes in road conditions and may easily miss important signs. He or she may not comprehend their importance fast enough to make appropriate changes while driving.

A fatigued driver could inadvertently drive down a road in the wrong direction without realizing it or fall asleep at the wheel and veer into oncoming traffic. Clearly, this could easily cause a head-on collision.

A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

All drivers who choose to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs have made a bad decision. The influence of drugs or alcohol in the human body can substantially impair the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Drivers who are drunk or impaired by drugs can drive recklessly and aggressively. They can display a critical lack of accuracy. They also lack good control of their cognitive abilities.

Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can drive too fast and fail to notice traffic signs and signals. These drunk or drugged drivers can quickly and inadvertently take actions that cause wrong-way accidents.

Other causes of wrong-way car accidents and collisions

Along with the above scenarios, there are other situations that can cause a driver to cause a wrong-way accident. These are:

  • Moving into an opposing lane of traffic to avoid obstacles or debris in the road
  • Driving in or too fast for bad weather conditions (such as strong winds, thick fog, and icy roads)
  • Failing to see a driver entering a highway exit ramp in the wrong direction
  • Failing or delaying in returning to the correct lane after passing a vehicle

Compensation is Available After a Wrong-Way Accident

Wrong-way driver car accidents can unexpectedly cause hefty medical expenses. The damage to your property can be costly and substantial. Anxiety over your financial situation can worsen when the injuries that you have can prevent you from working. Your inability to work and make money while watching your bills increase can cause enormous stress.

Financial restitution is available for your collision caused by the negligence of a driver proceeding in the wrong way. You can receive fast compensation for issues such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Medical expenses

A wrong-way driver car accident lawyer can help you calculate the dollar amount for medical costs for which you can receive compensation. These costs can include the following:

  • Surgery costs
  • Hospital stays
  • Ambulance and other emergency vehicle transportation
  • Doctor’s visits
  • Medical device costs
  • Medications and prescriptions
  • Therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • At-home care

The specific amount for these expenses can vary considerably. The severity of your injuries can affect the amount you receive in compensation for the reasons listed above.

Lost or diminished wages

The injuries you experience after a wrong-way driver car accident can stop you from going back to your job. If you do return to your employment, it may be only at a reduced level. In these cases, you can receive compensation for the income that you can no longer earn.

Depending on the job that you have, you may also qualify to receive restitution for future earnings that you cannot obtain. These earnings could include future bonuses or promotions that you will not receive.

Damaged property

Damaged property is another calculable financial loss. A specific amount can be associated with this economic loss. The cost is determined by the bills to repair or replace damaged items.

A principal example of damaged property is your vehicle. If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed, its cost could be included in your accident claim. The expense of public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing companies that you must use while your vehicle is being repaired can also be recovered fast.

Pain and suffering

One category of compensation that may not be calculated by adding up receipts and bills is: pain and suffering. An experienced car accident attorney can help you know what a fair amount would be for you to receive restitution for your pain and suffering.

The following are conditions that can contribute to your pain and suffering:

  • Mental agony
  • Emotional suffering
  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Reduced enjoyment in life
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

Punitive damages

There are various reasons that a wrong-way driver car accident can occur. The primary cause could be something uncontrollable such as the weather. At other times, gross negligence is the reason for the collision.

If it is determined that extreme negligence is the reason the collision occurred, punitive damages may be awarded. One example of a reason why punitive damages might be awarded is when the wrong-way driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.

The Wrong-way Driver Car Accident Lawyers Who Can Help You Recover Fast

Wrong-way driver auto accidents frequently result in devastating and destructive accidents with painful injuries. Collisions of this sort can even take a loved one away from us in death. These terrifying experiences also cause unexpected and costly medical expenses. They can leave victims with extensive physical and emotional injuries.

The time needed to recover can be long and difficult, but fast help is available after a wrong-way driver car accident. Our attorneys have experience in these types of collision cases and can provide you with crucial legal advice. With compassion and understanding, our aggressive lawyers can help you secure fast financial recovery after a collision caused by someone driving in the wrong direction.

Don’t wait to find out how our car accident lawyers can help you after an accident with a wrong-way driver. Our law firm works fast to get you the legal help crucial to your accident case.

For fast results, contact us at Gould Injury Law. Call us at 888-WIN-FAST today or fill out the online form for a free consultation.