The Right Things to Know About Wrong Way Accidents
Bay News 9 reported recently that two people were killed recently in a Saturday morning wrong way crash on Interstate 275. Authorities have asserted that the fatal collision occurred when the 28-year-old man behind the wheel of a sedan drove north onto the southbound lanes around 3:15 in the morning. He subsequently collided with the 20-year-old driver of another sedan which, sadly, caused both drivers to perish at the scene. While the origin of the crash remains under investigation, it is suspected that the wrong way driver was impaired at the time of the accident.
The Dangers of Wrong Way Accidents
The idea of looking at the road in front of you and seeing a driver heading directly toward you in your lane is undoubtedly a scenario that no one wants to imagine. And the unfortunate thing is that the very real scenario of wrong way drivers is not only a scary thought – it’s also a dangerous reality. According to statistics published by the Federal Highway Administration, wrong way driving crashes lead to an average of 300 to 400 people being killed in this country every single year. And while this only equates to about 1 percent of the total number of traffic related fatalities that occur annually, the fact is that when these less well-known types of accidents occur, the results are highly likely to be grim.
What Causes Wrong Way Accidents?
Like many other accidents, wrong-way accidents can happen because of numerous factors that those who find themselves the victims of have no control over. However, some aspects are more predictable.
As suspected in the tragic example outlined above, drugs (including prescription medicines) and alcohol are common factors in these accidents and therefore, many of them happen on weekends and in the early morning hours when people are most likely to be under the influence. Other common causes of wrong way accidents often include factors such as:
- Poor visibility
- Engaging in distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Poorly designed ramps
- Drivers unfamiliar with the roadways in that area
- Getting on the wrong freeway entrance ramp
- Not enough or poorly placed signs
- Turning onto a one-way street in the wrong direction
- Drivers suffering from mental health problems
Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash because someone else was driving the wrong way, you should not hesitate to obtain the help of a competent legal team. While wrong way car accidents can lead to tragic circumstances, you don’t have to suffer an additional tragedy by living without the compensation you deserve. As the Tampa personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we fully understand the heartbreak and damage that can be left behind after a wrong way accident. And while you may feel alone, we understand how common it is to suddenly find yourself suffering from serious injuries, facing mounting medical bills, and also being unable to work or support your family. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resources:
safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/other_topics/wwd/
baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/06/06/troopers–2-dead-after-wrong-way-crash-on-interstate-275
