A wrong-way accident is one of the deadliest types of collisions. Driving the wrong way can lead to a head-on collision, resulting in serious injuries and significant property damage. These crashes can even be fatal.
If you are involved in a wrong-way crash, you deserve compensation from a wrong-way driver. Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers (NAIL) can determine what damages you may be eligible to recover. Read on to find out how we will have your back when dealing with a wrong-way driver.
Common Causes of a Wrong Way Accident
A wrong-way accident can occur for a variety of reasons. These include the following:
- Falling Asleep at the Wheel: Drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, allowing their car to drift the wrong way down a road.
- Faulty GPS: The GPS may see an old route that existed before the road was reconstructed and advise the driver to go in the wrong direction.
- Drunk Driving: When drivers operate intoxicated, they may falsely judge the direction they should be going.
- Losing Control of the Car: The driver may lose control of the car and travel against traffic. This can be due to speeding, issues with the car mechanics, or road obstructions.
- Intentional Reckless Driving: It’s hard to believe anyone would want to go the wrong way on purpose, but it may happen.
- Poor Road Design: Some roads are poorly marked, so drivers get confused and go the wrong way.
- A Lack of Experience: Inexperienced drivers may mistakenly take a route in an unfamiliar area that leads them against traffic.
- Obscured Signage: Missing or concealed road signs, poor lighting, and other absent indicators of the correct way to drive can cause drivers to mistakenly enter a road the wrong way.
What Injuries are Likely to Occur in a Wrong-Way Accident?
The injuries that occur in a wrong-way accident can include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Bleeding and bruising
- Broken bones
- Injuries to the hip, back, and shoulders
- Mental injuries
- Joint and ligament damage
- Death
What Damages May a Wrong-Way Driver Be Responsible For?
Whoever is found at-fault for a wrong-way accident may have to pay damages that include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Damage to the vehicle
- Wrongful death
A wrongful death charge is brought when a person knowingly or negligently causes the death of another person. With wrong-way accidents being so dangerous, wrongful death is a common charge.
Damages for wrongful death may include medical expenses, lack of consortium, emotional pain and suffering for the relatives, loss of earnings the deceased brought in, funeral expenses, and more.
What To Do if You See a Wrong-Way Driver Coming Your Way
Seeing a wrong-way driver coming your way is frightening. However, you can take steps to reduce the chances of a wrong-way accident occurring. These include:
- Remain calm
- Slow down and steer out of the wrong-way driver’s path. If you must turn, turn right.
- Once you are safe, pull over and call 911
- If possible, alert the driver that they are going the wrong way. You can do this by beeping your horn or flashing your headlights.
You can also reduce the risk of wrong-way accidents for yourself and others if you:
- Focus on the Road: This will keep you aware of road conditions that may confuse you. It will also keep you on alert for wrong-way drivers.
- Stay Alert at Night: Never drive at night if you are not well-rested and alert. Pull over if you find yourself drifting off and losing control of the vehicle.
- Drive Sober: Intoxicated driving is another major cause of wrong-way accidents. If you plan to be out drinking, assign a designated driver.
Is a Wrong-Way Accident a Moving Violation?
Yes, a wrong-way accident is a moving violation. In Nevada, it is punishable by fines of up to $2000. It can also get you up to 364 days in jail.
Drivers caught wrong-way driving will also receive four demerits on their license. Their license may be suspended for six months if they receive 12 demerits in a year. This means they will be completely unable to drive for three months.
After the initial three-month period is over, they may get back limited privileges allowing them to drive to work and school only.
The Nevada Wrong-Way Driving Detection System
Wrong-way driving is a major issue in Nevada. There were 135 wrong-way crashes in the state between 2014 and 2018, resulting in 22 fatalities.
Officials have addressed the problem by installing wrong-way signs and flashing lights on roads that should not be entered from the opposite direction.
The state also employs a wrong-way driver alert that uses closed circuit cameras and radar to detect wrong-way drivers. Once detected, the system will set off lights and wrong-way signs to let the driver know they are going the wrong way.
While this method is 80% effective, it doesn’t stop all drivers, and wrong-way accidents still occur.
How NAIL Can Help with Your Wrong-Way Crash Lawsuit
If you were hurt in a wrong-way accident, contact NAIL today.
NAIL possesses years of expertise in the personal injury field. We will help you build a strong case for fair compensation. We serve Las Vegas and Southern Nevada with a reputation for high-quality service and winning results.
Wrong-way drivers exhibit behavior that’s considered reckless and negligent. Don’t let them get away with it. Call NAIL for the justice you need and the peace of mind you deserve.