Wrong-way accidents are not the most frequently occurring type of collision however they often result in the most severe injuries. Reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and AAA reveal wrong-way driving accidents are on the upswing nationally. Wrong-way accidents involve vehicles traveling in the wrong direction on a roadway. These accidents are frequently fatal. The severity of any accident largely depends on crash dynamics, including vehicle speed, vehicle size, accident location along with other contributing factors.

There was a recent wrong way accident in Southern California where two people suffered fatal injuries involving a driver on the wrong side of the freeway. Witnesses reported the wrong-way driver shortly before the 5:00 a.m. accident. Callers told 911 the driver was driving at around 90 miles per hour in the wrong direction. Highway Patrol responded to the reports and discovered a head-on collision. Another vehicle suffered damage a short distance from the initial crash. The victims were 30 and 21 years old.

In reviewing the rate and circumstances surrounding these accidents, researchers concluded that these incidents typically involve eight similar factors. The leading causes of wrong-way car accidents are DUI, driver distraction, drugged driving, poor visibility, missing traffic signs, driver fatigue, construction zone confusion, and product defect. Researchers have concluded three factors that stand out as most likely to result in a wrong-way accident. The researchers found that the likelihood of a wrong-way accident increased when a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was older and driving without a passenger.

Statistics reveal nearly 400 individuals suffer fatalities in wrong-way collisions every year and the majority of these accidents involve drivers between the ages of 20 – 29, and 75% of the at-fault drivers were under the influence of alcohol. Approximately 9% of wrong-way drivers had a conviction for impairment intoxication within three years of the accident. Drivers encountering a wrong-way vehicle should attempt to slow down and move to a shoulder safely. Wrong-way drivers can be unpredictable, and those around the negligent driver should try and remain alert.

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others.  At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. A Sacramento car accident attorney can help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or contact Guenard & Bozarth online.  We would be honored to represent you!