Wrong way accidents can cause severe and fatal injuries. You may be facing costly expenses for your medical needs and even lost wages for time spent away from work during your recovery. If you or a loved one suffered from this kind of collision in Georgia, a personal injury or wrongful death suit could defray the cost of medical bills, compensate for lost income, and provide for future accident-related expenses.
A Warner Robins wrong way accident lawyer working with the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers is here to help, advise, and manage your case. To discuss your situation today, call us for a free case evaluation at (404) 888-8888.
A Wrong Way Accident Can Be a Head-On Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that the majority of wrong way accidents on highways are head-on collisions. If a driver enters the highway from the wrong direction and is traveling at speed, a collision with oncoming vehicles could be catastrophic.
It should therefore come as no surprise that head-on collisions can have particularly dangerous consequences. Indeed, because wrong way collisions can often take the form of head-on crashes, the fatality rate is much higher than the average motor vehicle accident. Despite accounting for only three percent of all accidents, studies on wrong way crashes have found that they can have 12 to 27 times the fatality rate of other types of collisions, according to the NTSB.
Head-On Collision Injuries
The body is not designed to sustain an impact at high speeds, and a car can only absorb so much. As a result, head-on wrong way crashes can be devastating to the human body, and consequences can include:
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Soft tissue tears
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Brain and head injuries
- Spine injuries
Many of these injuries could require multiple doctor visits, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and time and income lost during recovery. Your life may even be permanently changed.
If your loved one did not survive their injuries after a crash, you may be facing extensive costs on top of your loss. You may have costly medical bills and funeral expenses after your loved one’s passing.
The team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers still recognizes your need for justice, closure, and compensation. If you qualify to seek compensation, we can stand by your side through every step of your case. Contact our office today to learn about how to proceed at (404) 888-8888.
For a free legal consultation with a wrong way accidents lawyer serving Warner Robins, call (404) 888-8888
Sideswipes
Some wrong way accidents avoid head-on collisions but still do damage through a sideswipe. This is when one vehicle scrapes or strikes the side of another car. For instance, if you encounter a wrong way driver and swerve into the next lane to avoid it, the driver may still strike a glancing blow on your vehicle, causing damage and injury. Depending on the speed, force, and angle, a sideswipe could cause your car to spin or veer off, potentially even striking other cars or stationary objects.
Sideswipe accidents may sound less serious than a head-on collision, but they can still cause pain to crash victims. A wrong way driver was behaving carelessly by going against the legal flow of traffic, and your crash resulted. For that, they may be found negligent, and you could seek compensation.
Warner Robins Wrong Way Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Drunk, Distracted, or Confused
Wrong way accidents tend to happen in the following locations:
- Exit ramps
- Access ramps
- U-turns
- Emergency turnarounds
- Lanes closest to the median
Some wrong way accidents are the result of a driver trying to correct a mistake, particularly when that mistake involves a missed exit. However, many of them are the result of a driver who is impaired, not paying attention, or unable to get their bearings.
In wrong way accidents, alcohol can often be a significant factor in causing the average crash. The NTSB found that a substantial number of wrong way drivers were under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers’ lowered reaction speed, impaired judgment, and decreased ability to recognize road signs all contribute to driving the wrong way, even on roads that are clearly marked.
Distracted driving can also play a role, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or other manual or visual distractions pulling a driver’s attention away from the proper direction of traffic.
Additional Factors
Many wrong way collisions occur at night. Not only are drivers more likely to be drinking in the evening, resulting in wrong way crashes from drivers under the influence, but the darkness also reduces visibility, both in seeing other cars or in spotting road signs.
While wrong way incidents may often be caused by younger drivers under the influence, older drivers are also represented in these types of collisions due to general confusion. While this is unfortunate, confusion is no excuse for negligence. Drivers are responsible for knowing whether they are able to function effectively behind the wheel.
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Compensation Can Make a Difference
Your Warner Robins wrong way accident lawyer can determine the value of your case based on your medical bills, expenses, and other losses, and then review and negotiate settlement offers. You may receive compensation to help with:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- Tests
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Outpatient facilities
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Reduced quality of life
- Future care
- Funeral expenses
Georgia’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the time of the accident, according to Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) §9-3-33. Speak with a lawyer to learn more about any deadlines relevant to your case, including deadlines for wrongful death claims. Call to learn more about how we can help with your case.
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Rare Accidents Still Deserve Full Attention
You never expected to be struck by a car going the wrong way while you were doing everything right. You never expected to be dealing with injuries, pain, and changes to your life. However, your Warner Robins wrong way accident lawyer at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can help you avoid the unexpected with your personal injury claim.
Call our office today at (404) 888-8888 for a free evaluation and to learn how we can help.
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