Imagine yourself driving down the freeway, and out of nowhere, a car is speeding towards you in your lane. Unfortunately, wrong-way accidents are terrifying and can result in fatal head-on collisions. Below, this car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida is going to explain why these accidents sometimes happen, and what you can do if you have been injured in one.
Why do wrong-way accidents happen?
In an ideal world, wrong way accidents really should not happen. Every driver knows to stay in their lanes and follow all traffic signs. On top of that, highways have median barriers, large wrong-way signs, and other features to significantly reduce the occurrence of these crashes. But even with all this, wrong-way accidents still happen and can be catastrophically bad.
According to an investigative report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSE), more than 350 Americans lose their lives each year in wrong-way accidents. While this number is smaller compared to other types of car accidents, every one of these deaths could have been avoided.
These are the most common causes of wrong-way accidents:
– Drunk driving: Drunk driving is the most common cause of wrong-way accidents. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to miss or ignore road signs and end up driving in the wrong direction. They could also fall asleep at the wheel and veer into oncoming traffic.
– Older drivers: Older drivers are also more likely to cause wrong-way accidents compared to younger drivers. Conditions like dementia and poor vision can make it harder for them to see and follow road signs properly, so they might accidentally drive the wrong way, especially in an area they don’t know very well.
– Highway ramps: As any experienced car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida, knows, many wrong-way accidents happen on highway exit ramps. Unreadable signs or confusing ramp designs can trick drivers into going in the wrong direction. The higher speeds on highways mean that these accidents are more likely to cause more serious injury or death.
– Night and weekend driving: Wrong-way accidents are more common in the late hours of the night and on weekends. This is mostly because drunk driving tends to increase during these times. On top of that, it is harder to see road signs at night, so drivers could miss them or not understand them correctly.
Wrong-way accidents usually lead to head-on collisions, which are some of the worst types of car accidents. These accidents don’t just affect the driver going the wrong way but also endanger innocent drivers who are driving in their lane. Passengers in both vehicles can suffer serious injuries, and fatalities are not uncommon.
Reach out to a car accident lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a wrong-way accident, you should consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida. They can explain your rights and what you should do next to get fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, etc. Your lawyer can also help you collect all the important evidence you need and deal with the insurance companies. Handling everything after a car accident can be stressful, but a good lawyer can take a lot of that weight off your shoulders.
Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer in Bartow, Florida?
Are you ready to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer in Bartow, Florida who could help you get the compensation you deserve in a wrong-way accident? If so, Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA are just a call away. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.