What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving?
In the greater Phoenix area, just one out of 10,000 crashes was caused by a wrong-way driver, making these crashes fairly uncommon. Thankfully, this means that most people will never experience a wrong-way crash.
However, these accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities. And since more than 36,000 injuries are the result of car crashes in Arizona that occur yearly, some of them wrong-way accidents, drivers must be aware of these serious incidents.
If you’ve already been involved in an auto accident in Arizona, contact our car accident attorneys in Phoenix at ELG. Our team of Arizona auto accident lawyers is here to help you safeguard your legal rights with a no-hassle consultation today.
What Are the Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving?
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of serious accidents, particularly texting while driving in Arizona. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other medication is another common cause of wrong-way driving. If you’re on medication, verify with your doctor that it is safe to continue operating your vehicle. And always make sure that you have a designated driver if you’ve been drinking–don’t drink and drive, even if you’ve only had one drink.
From speeding to tailgating or weaving in and out of lines, reckless driving can also lead to wrong-way incidents. If another driver on the road is behaving aggressively, avoid responding in kind. Stay cool and collected when you drive, and report any wrong-way drivers you see on the highway. Preventing injuries to yourself and to others is the most important step. Once you’re safe, call the police. Let the authorities know that a wrong-way driver is driving in your area.
How to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving
Even as government officials work aggressively to eliminate wrong-way accidents, they still occur. But you can help stop wrong-way drivers by driving defensively and reporting impaired, reckless, or otherwise dangerous drivers.
First, holding wrong-way drivers accountable by reporting them when you see them is vital. Aside from reporting wrong-way incidents to authorities, take pictures, record audio, turn on your dash camera if you have one, and file a police report. Furthermore, remember to take note of the injuries and call the authorities as soon as possible.
Finally, you should contact your attorney. If you’ve sustained injuries in a wrong-way crash, protect your legal rights. Talking to an attorney sooner rather than later will help keep the incident and your injuries fresh in your mind. This will increase your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries, or from your losses in a wrongful death suit if you’ve lost a family member.
Injury Attorneys in Phoenix
Knowing how to prevent wrong-way car accidents is important. If you drive defensively on the road, you decrease your chances of an accident. But if you sustain injuries in a crash with a wrong-way driver, contact your auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can work as your liaison with insurance companies and help you maneuver the facts of your case, allowing you to recover from your accident.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, contact our Phoenix auto accident lawyers at ELG today. Call us at (623) 877-3600 for a no-obligation free consultation and legal aid.
