Accidents caused by someone driving the wrong way are incredibly serious. These crashes cause some of the worst injuries—and they often lead to death. If you or a loved one were victims, talk to a wrong-way accident lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates can help you seek compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one. We have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims seek justice. Reach out today to get started at no cost.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get a free consultation today.
Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong-way accidents happen when one vehicle is traveling the wrong way on the road. The wrong-way driver collides head-on with another vehicle traveling in the right direction. The accident can happen on one-way or two-way roads.
So, why do these extreme crashes happen? Some of the most common causes include:
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Night vision problems
- Medical emergencies
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Missing or confusing road signs
- Lack of center lines on a road
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Extreme emotional distress
- Passing illegally or unsafely
Drunk driving is a common reason for head-on collisions. An impaired driver might not even realize they’re traveling the wrong way—until it’s too late.
No matter how a wrong-way accident happens, the wrong-way driver is usually at fault. It’s rare for the other driver to be responsible for what’s occurred. But if you or a loved one were victims, you will need to build a case to show the other driver’s fault.
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Driving on the Right Side of the Road
Motorists should almost always drive on the right side of the road. There are only a few exceptions. According to Georgia Code § 40-6-40, a vehicle should stay on the right half of the road unless:
- The driver is legally overtaking or passing another vehicle going in the same direction
- There is an obstacle that requires drivers to go to the left of the highway’s center (after yielding the right of way to cars going in the right direction)
- The driver is on a road with three marked lanes
- The driver is on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic
There are only a few legal reasons for a driver to go the “wrong way,” and the driver must be careful to avoid harm at all times. For example, a driver can be at fault if they cause a head-on collision while passing on a two-way highway.
You will need to know how the other driver was negligent in your accident. Under Georgia Code § 51-1-2, negligence is a lack of ordinary care towards others. You can bring a negligence claim to the other driver’s insurance to recover your costs.
It’s best to call a wrong-way accident lawyer after your collision. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong claim. To learn more, contact John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 for a free consultation.
Damages You Can Recover from a Wrong-Way Driver
If a driver hits you or a loved one head-on, you can seek financial recovery for your costs like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Physical therapy
- Wrongful death
You can claim any losses that you wouldn’t face if the accident hadn’t happened. This includes current losses and future costs, such as long-term medical care. Wrong-way accidents are often very severe, so it’s important to consider all of your losses.
You can also claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Your lawyer will use a formula to put a dollar value on your emotional injuries. If a loved one died in a wrong-way accident, you might also have a wrongful death claim.
Injuries from Wrong-Way Crashes
Wrong-way accidents are often devastating. Victims’ injuries can leave them with disabling or deadly conditions. Common injuries we see include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
Head-on collisions can require months or years of medical treatment. Victims often need emergency care and long-term therapy. This can leave victims and their families with massive bills and debt.
Thankfully, you have rights if you didn’t cause your accident. You can bring a legal case to seek compensation for your damages.
Proving Fault After a Wrong-Way Accident
To prove fault in a wrong-way accident, you must show that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed in their duty of care.
- The driver’s carelessness led to the wrong-way accident.
- You have injuries and damages from the accident.
It’s often easy to prove fault in a head-on accident. For example, the driver was clearly careless by driving the wrong way. However, you will still need to deal with the driver’s insurance company.
Insurance companies do not like to pay much on injury claims. Even when fault is apparent, getting what you deserve can be a struggle. This is where an experienced wrong-way accident lawyer can help.
A lawyer will help you build a strong personal injury claim by gathering evidence from the crash. If the insurance company pushes back, your lawyer will be ready to negotiate or go to court if the company won’t settle.
Helping Injury Victims Get Justice
Our personal injury lawyers have been representing injury victims for over 20 years. We are familiar and comfortable with all sorts of accident cases, including wrong-way crashes. We fight to help you recover the money you and your family deserve.
Our firm does not charge you unless we win your case. So, you can get started today at no risk. We’ll start with a consultation to go over the facts of the accident. From there, we can determine your best legal options.
Talk to a Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were victims of a wrong-way accident, call John Foy & Associates. We’ll discuss your accident and how you can start seeking what you deserve.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
