Chicago Wrong Way Accident Lawyer

Wrong-way drivers are a serious hazard on our roadways. They can cause devastating accidents that injure or kill innocent people.

Were you injured in a wrong-way car accident? If so, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Chicago wrong way accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our injury attorneys have successfully represented clients in many driving accident cases, including those involving wrong-way drivers.

Contact our Chicago car accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free

National Statistics on Wrong-Way Accidents

Wrong direction driving is one of the most dangerous forms of aggressive driving. It occurs when a driver enters a roadway going in the opposite direction from the traffic flow. When this happens, oncoming traffic is suddenly faced with an imminent head-on collision.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of wrong-way accidents account for only 2% of all crashes, but they cause 10% of all traffic fatalities. In 2018, there were 346 wrong-way mishaps in the US, resulting in 359 deaths.

Data shows that most wrong-way accidents occur between 6 pm and 6 am, with more than 60% happening between midnight and 6 am.

Illinois Statistics on Wrong-Way Crashes

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2017, there were five wrong-way crashes in Illinois, resulting in 5 fatalities.

Most wrong-way accidents happen on highways and interstates when there is less room for error. Drivers often mistakenly enter the road from an off-ramp, or they may enter the highway going the wrong way.

Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving

The damage caused by these wrong-way collisions is often catastrophic and heartbreaking. There are various causes of wrong-way driving, but the most common include:

• Driver error
• Distracted driving
• Wrong way on a one-way street
• Driving impaired on alcohol or drugs
• Driving in the wrong lane
• Entering the highway from an off-ramp
• Driving the wrong direction due to a construction or traffic sign error

Poor road signs and construction zones can confuse drivers and cause them to travel in the wrong direction, resulting in many wrong-way accidents. Several wrong-way accidents occur because the driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit.

Wrong-Way Driving Accidents: How People Are Injured

Driver error, alcohol impairment, and distracted driving are common causes of wrong-way accidents. When drivers enter the highway going the wrong way, they often cause severe collisions. These accidents can result in severe injuries or death.

People injured in wrong-way accidents may suffer from broken bones, property damage, and other common injuries. They may also suffer from mental injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

Wrong-way accidents can also cause emotional trauma, which is challenging to overcome.

Recovery from wrong-way driving accidents can take years. If you are injured in a wrong-way crash, it is crucial to seek medical attention. You may need surgery or physical therapy to recover from your injuries.

You should also seek legal assistance right away. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. You may be able to obtain compensation for your medical bills.

What Should You Do When Someone is Driving the Wrong Way?

If you see a wrong-way driver headed your way, the best thing is to get out of the way as quickly and safely as possible.

Do not try to pass the vehicle, and do not honk your horn or wave your arms in an attempt to get the driver’s attention. These actions could startle the driver and cause them to lose control of the motor vehicle.

Get to a safe place and call 911. Be prepared to give the dispatcher the following information:

• The location of the incident
• A description of the vehicle, including its make, model, color, and license plate number
• The direction in which the motor vehicle is traveling.

A wrong-way driving accident is one of the most dangerous and devastating car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a wrong-way accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.

At our law firm, we have represented many clients who have been involved in wrong-way car accidents. We know how to investigate these complex accidents and build a solid legal case for our clients. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Wrong-Way Car Accidents and the Rise in Fatality Rates

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in wrong-way car accidents. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows a 61 percent increase in fatal wrong-way accidents between 2014 and 2019.

Many factors can contribute to a wrong-way car accident. In some cases, it may be due to a driver’s inexperience or poor vision. In other cases, it may be caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Regardless of the cause, wrong-way car accidents can be devastating. If you have been involved in such a wrong-way accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. Call our law firm to book a free consultation.

Avoiding Wrong-Way Driving Car Crashes

There are some simple things you can do to prevent wrong-way driving car accidents:

Obey the speed limit

One of the most important things to avoid a wrong-way driving accident is to obey the speed limit. The faster you are going, the less time you will have to react if you come across a wrong-way driver.

Stay alert

When you are behind the wheel, it is essential to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you see a wrong-way driver, the best thing is to get out of the way as quickly and safely as possible.

Don’t drink and drive

One of the leading causes of wrong-way car accidents is drunk driving. If you are going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver.

Wrong-way collisions occur when a vehicle travels in the opposite direction from the traffic flow. Confused drivers often cause these auto accidents. Many wrong-way crashes involve motorists entering an exit ramp in the wrong direction.

The above steps can effectively stop wrong-way drivers before they cause a head-on collision.

Wrong-Way Collisions: Liability and Compensation

Wrong-way collisions are often devastating. If you have been involved in such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Insurance companies are responsible for paying damages. The first step in seeking compensation is determining who is at fault for the accident. In many cases, the driver’s insurance company will be liable for the victim’s damages. However, other parties can be held responsible, such as the vehicle owner or the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.

Financial compensation cannot undo the damage caused by a wrong-way car accident. However, it can help you cover your medical bills and get your life back on track.

The responsible driver’s insurance company will likely try to lowball you with an initial settlement offer. Do not accept this offer without consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Contact our office for a free consultation for legal rights.

Wrong-Way Driver Lawsuits

The legal case against a wrong-way driver will generally fall into one of two categories:

• A personal injury case
• A wrongful death lawsuit

In a personal injury case, the wrong-way driver will be held liable. However, other parties can be held responsible, such as the vehicle owner or the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.

In an injury lawsuit, the victim will seek damages for their injuries from insurance companies. In a death lawsuit, the victim’s family members will seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.

The negligent driver is not the only one who can be held liable in a wrong-way car accident. The vehicle owner may also be held responsible if it is determined that they knew or should have known about the driver’s history of drunk driving.

The most common things that you might win in a wrongful-way driver lawsuit include:

• Obtain your medical records of all your medical treatment related to the accident,
• Get the police record to show information about the other driver who caused the wrong-way accident is considered responsible or liable,

There needs to be a showing that the driver was negligent, meaning they did something wrong that led to the accident, including:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Driver fatigue

Court cases can take a long time to settle. If you have been involved in a wrong-way car accident, it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to get compensation from insurance companies.

The insurance adjuster of the at-fault wrong-way driver will likely contact you soon after the accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will want a recorded statement from you about how the head-on collisions happened.

The insurance company is not looking out for your best interest but is looking for any information that can be used to deny or minimize your claim.

Discuss Your Case With a Chicago Wrong Way Accident Lawyer Today:

Our personal injury lawyers will investigate the wrong-way driving accident, gather evidence, and build a solid legal case to compensate for your:

• Lost wages
• Property damage

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have successfully represented many victims of wrong-way car accidents. We will work tirelessly to protect your legal rights.

Our attorneys will:

• Investigate the wrong-way car crashes and gather evidence
• File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit
• Fight for you in court
• Get you the maximum amount of compensation possible

Your legal case is important to us, and we will fight for you in every way. For more information on our legal services and how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.

Resources:

• Wrong-Way Driving Accidents Statistical Characteristics