It seems that nearly every week there is a new story about a driver treavling the wrong way down the highway. In fortunate cases, the driver is able to escape without causing or being injured in a serious accident. Unfortunately, in other cases, there can be more tragic results.
Wrong-way drivers are responsible for some of the most catastrophic highway collisions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Highway Administration, wrong-way crashes are defined as when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction of the legal flow of traffic on a high-speed divided highway or ramp crashes into another vehicle traveling in the correct direction.
If you have been unfairly injured by a wrong-way driver, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD today to discuss your potential compensation.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes
Drivers who travel the wrong-way on a large highway — or even a small roadway — are putting themselves and others in danger of being involved in a serious collision. Wrong-way drivers may be impaired or fatigued. Inexperience is another common factor involved in these crashes.
In some cases, a wrong-way driver will enter the highway through an exit ramp, meaing that the driver is traveling in the opposite direction of traffic and at risk of a head-on crash. To make matters worse, these drivers are often travleing at high speeds and may not notice the wrong-way driver until it’s too late.
Sometimes, wrong-way drivers will travel great distances without realizing they are traveling the in the wrong direction, perhaps because of impairment or extreme fatigue.
Distracted driving is another potential cause. Drivers with little experience on the highway may accidently enter the highway incorrectly.
Most wrong-way driving collisions take place at night or in the early morning when there are fewer drivers on the road. When there is more traffic, drivers are less likely to be able to enter the highway from the wrong ramp.
How to Prevent Wrong-Way Collisions
Wrong-way crashes are completely preventable. Even proper signage can make a real difference. Signs must be large and posted at every potential wrong-way entrance. There are wrong-way driver detection and warning systems in place by some states in crucial areas where wrong-way crashes have taken place. In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation has installed a warning system to reduce wrong-way crashes ina 15-mile stretch of the most at-risk roads.
Drivers should understand the potential of a wrong-way driver and stay aware. Always drive in the right lane in order to avoid a head-on collision because many wrong-way drivers will believe they are traveling in their right lane. If you see someone driving no the wrong side of the road, dial 911 immediately to report it to the authorities to prevent a serious crash.
After a sudden accident, you should always consult with a qualified car wreck attorney in Houston to see if you are entitled to lost compensation.
Houston Car Wreck Attorneys
After being injured in a car accident, you need the help of a Houston car crash lawyer to help you make the right choices and secure the compensation you need and deserve. The team of personal injury lawyers at the West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD will fight for your best interests. We treat every case with equal importance, and we focus on getting the effective results our clients deserve. Contact our law offices today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case with a lawyer who cares.
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