Wrong-Way Car Accidents

There are thousands of auto accidents every day across the US, and some of the most deadly are wrong-way accidents. Wrong-way accidents typically result in head-on collisions and are regularly at high speeds. These accidents often happen at night or in inclement weather when visibility is already an issue, which can also lead to slower reaction times.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that there are around 300-400 fatalities from wrong-way accidents every year. While this number represents a small percentage of all yearly traffic deaths in the US, the nature of these accidents makes them especially severe.

Causes of Wrong-Way Car Accidents

• Driving Under the Influence: Wrong-way accidents are often the result of an intoxicated driver. These accidents are particularly dangerous, as the reaction time of the drunk driver is severely impaired. 
• Road Construction: Detours and temporary lanes may be established when road construction is underway. These temporary signs are often difficult to see and may lead to a driver taking a wrong turn down a one-way street or venturing into a lane of on-coming traffic. 
• Medical Emergencies: With most Americans spending a significant amount of time behind the wheel, it is not uncommon for a driver to experience a medical emergency while driving. Seizures or heart attacks can cause disorientation and confusion that leads to unpredictable behavior.
• Inexperienced Drivers: New drivers make more mistakes than experienced drivers, and often misread road signs or become distracted by the excitement and responsibility of driving. 
• Distracted Drivers: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in the United States. From handheld devices, adjusting controls in the car, crying children, pets, and applying makeup, drivers often find themselves in messy situations when the road is not given their full attention.
• Drowsy Drivers: Driving while sleepy is another leading cause of accidents in the US, and can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. When a driver is not fully alert, they may miss vital signs that lead to head-on collisions.

What to Do if You Are Involved In a Wrong-Way Car Accident

First and foremost, it’s important to collect contact and insurance information of the other drivers involved and to ensure the safety and health of yourself and others involved in the accident. Learn more about steps you should take immediately following an accident in our blog titled, “Things to Do After a Car Accident.”

Contact an Experienced Attorney

The quicker you reach out to an attorney about your case, the more likely you are to receive fair compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Saladino & Schaaf have more than 75 years of combined experience representing Kentucky personal injury clients. Contact us for a free case evaluation or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) / 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to discuss your accident with one of our attorneys.