Of all the accidents that occur on Texas highways and roads, wrong-way crashes are some of the most deadly. These collisions often take place at high speeds and with little warning, leaving victims in Houston with severe and often fatal injuries.
Those unfairly injured by a wrong-way driver should contact a car crash attorney in Houston at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD to discuss their options for compensation.
Statistics Show that Wrong-Way Accidents on the Rise
A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that there were 2,008 fatalities caused by wrong-way drivers on divided highways from 2015 to 2018. That is an average of 500 people dying each year in wrong-way crashes.
Between 2010 and 2014, there were only 375 deaths reported annually in wrong-way crashes. That means the rate of fatal wrong-way collisions increased by nearly 34%.
Texas has a higher rate of fatal wrong-way crashes than the national average. There were 309 fatalities resulting from wrong-way accidents in the state from 2015 to 2018, more than any other state.
Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes in Houston
Drivers who are unfamiliar with an area’s roadways or traffic laws are known to make critical errors, and statistics show that these types of drivers are more commonly responsible for wrong-way accidents. Common causes of these types of wrecks include:
- DUI
- Drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Missed road signs
- Impaired visibility
- Traveling in a construction zone
- Drowsy driving
- Product defects
These and other actions can contribute to a serious accident that could have been avoided, and injured parties may be entitled to file a personal injury claim with the help of a Houston personal injury attorney.
Common Injuries after a Wrong-Way Accident
Wrong-way collisions are devastating and more likely to result in permanent or fatal injuries. Common injuries resulting from a wrong-way crash include:
- Brain trauma
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Burn injuries
Any of these injuries can inflict permanent disabilities in victims, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Accident victims are often left with mounting debts for a collision they did not cause. With the aid of a trusted attorney, injured parties have a chance to recover compensation through the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
Who Is At-Fault for a Wrong-Way Collision?
Wrong-way drivers are often held responsible for the damages and injuries resulting from a crash. If it seems that the at-fault driver is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, authorities will test their blood alcohol content. Even if the driver refuses, law enforcement can obtain a search warrant and do the test. If the wrong-way accident was caused by an auto defect, such as a malfunctioning steering system, the vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible for the resulting damages in a product liability case.
Car Crash Attorneys in Houston TX
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Houston, contact a qualified Houston car crash attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD. Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, and Nader A. Rabie, JD have worked on an array of personal injury claims involving car crashes, and we have helped clients obtain the compensation they deserve after being unfairly injured in a serious car accident. When you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, your focus should be on healing yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally in order to return to your normal life.
Contact Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD today at (713) 840-7200 to discuss your case with a qualified Houston personal injury attorney.
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