Michigan Wrong Way Car Accident Lawyer

Our Michigan car accident attorneys represent clients injured in wrong way crashes. These accidents result often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

People who drive in the wrong lane of travel on a highway or road are liable for their negligent driving.

• Common Reasons for Wrong Way Accidents?
• What are Some Wrong Way Collision Statistics?
• Can I Sue a Wrong Way Driver?
• An Auto Accident Lawyer Will Get You a Settlement

What is a Wrong Way Accident?

A wrong-way accident occurs when a driver travels against the direction of traffic and strikes a vehicle traveling in the proper direction. This occurs on city streets and highways. Many drivers travel the opposite way on a one-way street. Other motorists enter a freeway ramp directly into oncoming traffic and realize their mistake when it is too late.

In the United States, wrong-way drivers cause about 360 deaths a year, according to federal statistics. In Michigan from 2011 through 2016, eight motorists died in such crashes.

Drivers and passengers of automobiles and trucks are hurt in these accidents. Other victims include motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Common Reasons for Wrong Way Auto Crashes

Wrong way accidents occur for a number of reasons, all of which are due to careless and reckless operation of a vehicle. The most common reasons include:

• Driving while intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs
• Distracted driving, including texting and cell phone usage
• Not paying attention to the roadway markings and signage
• Unfamiliarity with the road or highway entrance ramps

Wrong Way Collision Statistics

In the United States, wrong-way driving accidents result in 300 to 400 people killed each year on average, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. This figure represents approximately one percent of the total number of traffic-related fatalities that occur annually.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reviewed statistics from a six-year analysis of wrong-way driving collisions conducted by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and found that 1,111 of the 1,566 wrong-way drivers involved in wrong-way driving accidents during the study had alcohol in their system prior to the collision.

That accounts for more than 70% of all wrong-way driving accidents.

Of the 1,111 drivers who had alcohol in their system prior to the collision, approximately 684 drivers who had their BAC collected were considered to have extremely high levels — at or above 0.15. Only 29 percent of wrong-way collisions were caused by drivers not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The pie chart below shows the blood alcohol content (BAC) percentage breakdown of the 684 drivers who had their BAC collected.

Can I Sue a Wrong Way Driver?

With the help of a Michigan lawyer, you can sue a wrong way driver if you or someone you care about suffered injuries in the accident. There is no legal excuse for traveling in the wrong direction on a marked roadway. The act alone constitutes negligence and an at-fault drive is liable to all injury victims.

A lawsuit demands settlement compensation for the harm caused in the crash. This includes payment for pain and suffering, scars and disfigurements, and psychological damage.

Many victims suffer broken bones and other serious orthopedic injuries. Others suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other conditions requiring surgery and medical treatment.

In fatal accident cases, the family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases demand compensation for the loss of the loved one. They also seek payment for the pain and suffering from the time of the accident until the death.

An Auto Accident Lawyer Will Get You a Settlement

Our experienced auto accident attorneys will get the accident report, witness statements, and 911 calls from the investigating police agency. We will also request video footage taken by police car cameras. These videos show the scene and capture statements from the negligent driver.

We will investigate all sources of insurance coverage to win you the maximum possible settlement. We will get all of your medical records, employment records, and all other documentation to support your claim. We then negotiate with the insurance adjuster to get you the highest compensation payout for your wrong way auto crash case.

Contact Our Top Rated Auto Accident Attorneys Today

The sooner you hire a lawyer, the easier it is to interview witnesses, photograph vehicles, and perform a full investigation. When you call us, we start working on your case immediately.

In addition, there are strict time deadlines for filing auto accident cases. If you wait too long, you will forfeit your right to a settlement.

Contact a Michigan wrong way car accident lawyer today to start on your case.

There are no legal fees unless you receive a settlement. We only get paid at the end of the case and we pay all of the case expenses.