What Factors Cause Wrong-Way Accidents?
There are any number of ways a traffic accident can happen and a multitude of reasons for one taking place. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents as there are so many things these days that can distract drivers from paying attention to the road. Driving while intoxicated, speeding, and driving while drowsy are other very common reasons that crashes happen not just in Arizona, but across the country. Take for instance the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Crash Facts Report in 2019. This report indicated that the state saw almost 130,000 crashes that year. Close to 5,000 were alcohol-related.
Rear-end crashes, multi-vehicle crashes, T-bone crashes, or wrong-way crashes aren’t uncommon in the greater Phoenix area. In recent years, the number of wrong-way crashes reported has been alarming. The way this crash takes place is when one driver travels in the wrong direction down a road. Wrong-way crashes are very dangerous and often result in disastrous outcomes including life-changing injuries and in the most serious cases, death. Every year, wrong-way accidents are responsible for up to 400 lives lost across the country.
How Does a Wrong-Way Accident Happen?
On roadways or exits where it could be potentially confusing to drive, there will be signage posted telling drivers either “One Way” or “Wrong Way.” They are no less visible than “STOP” signs and they serve the same purpose, to inform drivers of how to proceed. When a person has been drinking, is drowsy, is distracted, or is lost in an area unfamiliar to them, they can easily miss one of these important warning signs and drive down the road in the wrong direction traveling head-on into oncoming traffic. There are times when a driver can be completely alert and awake but construction sites redirecting traffic and re-painting lanes may be very confusing. Regardless of the situation, if a car drives down a road in the wrong direction it is the driver who will be at-fault for any resulting accidents.
It goes without saying that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a bad idea. It is dangerous for both the driver and the occupants in their car as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and other automobiles on the road. Slowed reaction time, misjudgments, inability to see clearly, or simply passing out behind the wheel can all take place. Not one of these actions will end up with good results. It is all-too-easy for a driver to not realize the enormity of their actions until it is too late.
Have You Been Injured By in an Arizona Car Accident by a Negligent Driver?
If you were on the receiving end of a person who drove directly into you because they were disoriented for reasons of honest confusion or because they were under the influence, you have the right to sue them for compensation. It is important that you recover the money necessary to pay for any property damages and medical expenses you experienced. In addition, you may also be able to recover pain and suffering, mental trauma, loss of consortium, or even punitive compensation depending on the details of your accident experience.
The Phoenix automobile accident injury attorneys at ELG will fight on your behalf to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the damages you sustained in your accident. The Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG focus completely on Arizona personal injury cases so we know exactly how to tackle even the most complicated situation and come up with a win for our clients. Call ELG’s Arizona personal injury attorneys today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation.
