Although not as common as other types of accidents, wrong-way auto crashes are more likely to result in victims suffering catastrophic injuries or death. This is because the vehicles involved are often traveling at moderately fast or fast speeds and collide in head-on collisions. If you or a loved one were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you can hold him accountable for compensating you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Virginia law.
What Are the Major Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents?
Wrong-way crashes typically occur on one-way streets, highway exit or entrance ramps, or highways. Driver errors—which often are very preventable—are the underlying cause of these tragic wrong-way accidents. Common reasons that motorists cause these collisions include:
- Intoxication. When a driver is drunk or intoxicated due to drug use, his vision, judgment, and reaction times are impaired. Many wrong-way crashes on highway exit and entrance ramps are caused by intoxicated drivers who do not even realize that they are going the wrong way and who may be engaged in speeding or other reckless driving practices.
- Drowsy driving. A driver who is fighting to stay awake or falls asleep at the wheel can cross the median and drive right into oncoming traffic. Drowsy driving can also impair driving abilities in similar ways as drunk driving.
- Distracted driving. When a driver is texting, looking at his instrument panel, or eating and drinking, he can easily miss a sign warning him that he is going the wrong way down a street or on a highway entrance or exit ramp.
- Signs. In some accidents, the underlying reason the driver drove the wrong way was due to missing or poorly placed signs or poorly marked highway ramps. A municipality responsible for the signs or highway ramps could face liability. These cases can be more complicated due to notice and procedural rules when suing a municipal government, so you should contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately to ensure that the rules are followed.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys for Help
Were you or a loved one injured in a wrong-way accident caused by another driver in Virginia? Our skilled and dedicated car accident attorneys are here to build a strong claim of negligence against the driver so that you receive the compensation that you deserve in your settlement. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation to get your questions answered and learn how we can help.
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