You are driving on a one-way highway ramp when you see another motorist hurtling your way. You realize you don’t have enough time or space on the road to get out of the vehicle’s path. This terrifying scenario can result in a wrong-way driving accident. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2018, an estimated 428 people lost their lives in intersection-related wrong-way driving accidents in the U.S.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a wrong-way accident, contact William Mattar, P.C. Accident injuries can take a serious toll on a victim’s life. If you are looking for an attorney following your accident, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and achieve maximum compensation. Call (844) 444 - 4444 today. .
What is a Wrong-Way Driving Crash?
A wrong-way driving accident occurs when one vehicle traveling in a “direction opposing the legal flow of traffic” collides with a vehicle the traveling in the lawful direction. Drivers who travel in the wrong direction are typically at fault in these cases insofar as they violated the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Facts About Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
Compared to other types of crashes, wrong-way driving accidents are relatively infrequent but severe. According to a multi-year study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), between 2004 and 2009 only three percent of accidents on high-speed divided highways were wrong-way collisions. Wrong-way accidents, however, are likely to result in serious and fatal injuries.
There are few notable factors involved in wrong-way driving accidents, as analyzed by the NTSB. Drunk driving is one concern when it comes to wrong-way accidents. During the same period, out of 1,566 wrong-way drivers, 936 – or 60 percent – had “indications of alcohol involvement.”
The NTSB found that drivers over 70 were over-represented in fatal wrong-way accidents. Members of this age group accounted for roughly 15 percent of all wrong-way drivers involved in these accidents. Additionally, wrong-way accidents are more likely to occur at night. An estimated 78 percent of the wrong-way collisions studied occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Causes of Wrong-Way Driving Crashes
Some potential causes of wrong-way driving crashes include:
- Drunk driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Driver fatigue;
- Speeding and/or reckless driving;
- Poor roadway lighting; and
- Poor traffic signage.
Every wrong-way accident is different, and the accident lawyers at William Mattar, P.C. can investigate your case to determine who is at fault. Contact us as soon as possible to get started.
Can I Get Compensation for a Wrong-Way Accident?
If you’ve been seriously injured by a driver traveling the wrong way on a roadway, you are likely entitled to compensation. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, past and future medical expenses, and lost wages or profits.
Depending on the circumstances, wrong-way driving accidents can be fatal. Wrongful death claims are designed compensate family members and/or dependents of the deceased for damages. A car accident lawyer at William Mattar, P.C. can give you more information on wrongful death cases – call today.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
Wrong-way accidents can be catastrophic. If you’ve been involved in a wrong-way collision, William Mattar P.C. is here to help. Our firm helps injury victims across New York State get compensation after suffering injuries. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our offices at (844) 444 - 4444 or complete our free consultation form today.