What is a Wrong-Way Driving Accident?
A wrong-way driving accident is defined as a collision between two vehicles in which one of the two vehicles is traveling against the legal flow of traffic. Typically, these wrong-way accidents in Las Vegas occur along one-way roads, like a tollway, highway or freeway on-ramp, resulting in a head-on collision. These can often result in serious injury for all parties involved and are the deadliest kind of auto collision since the accidents usually occur at high speeds, with little warning for the victims.
Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a wrong-way driver crash?
As a survivor of a wrong-way driving accident or loved one of a deceased victim, you can hold the dangerous driver accountable. Edward M. Bernstein & Associates have experienced personal injury lawyers committed to representing you in your wrong-way driving accident lawsuit in Las Vegas.
According to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicular accident deaths have decreased by 25% owing to the introduction of seat belt laws and nationwide crackdowns on driving under the influence of drink or drugs. However, there has been no change in the number of deaths―approximately 360―that have been caused by wrong-way driving accidents. In December 2012, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a Highway Special Investigation Report to determine what changes needed to be implemented in order to prevent wrong-way driving crashes.
The NTSB found that poor signage and confusing roadways were a common factor in these wrong-way accidents and that the driver traveling in the wrong direction was, unsurprisingly, most often at fault.
Causes and Factors of Wrong-Way Accidents in Las Vegas
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers suffering from senility or memory loss
- Drivers who cannot read the road signs
- Night and weekend driving
- Road dangers that lead to loss of vehicle control, such as a tire blowout
- Severe night vision issues or blindness
- Missing and stolen road signs and markers
- Improperly marked construction areas
- Confusion while driving due to one-way roads
- Drivers suffering from extreme emotional distress
- Dangerous reactions to medicines or medical emergencies occurring behind the wheel
- Reckless driving like speeding or dangerous maneuvers that cause loss of vehicle control
According to the NTSB, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) are the most common cause of wrong-way driving crashes. About 69% of these drivers were over the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) of 0.08% and 59% had a BAC of 0.15% or higher. The elderly are also at high risk of being the cause of a wrong-way accident. A number of drivers over 70 years of age have been involved in these accidents owing to diminished cognitive function or because they experienced dangerous reactions to medication behind the wheel of the vehicle.
Finding out which of the factors caused the collision can be difficult in a wrong-way driving accident lawsuit. This is why it is crucial you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer, like the lawyers at Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, so you can hold the responsible party accountable.
Common Las Vegas Wrong-Way Driving Accident Injuries
These devastating collisions are likely to result in permanent or fatal injuries for those involved. Such accidents can lead to
- Brain trauma,
- Spinal cord damage,
- Broken bones,
- Internal organ injuries,
- Burn injuries from vehicle fires,
- Death.
Any of these traumas can result in permanent disabilities in survivors and may require extensive emergency and lifelong medical care, not to mention extended rehabilitation. You shouldn’t be left to deal with massive medical debt for an accident you did not cause. Focus on your recovery while we focus on your case to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call the law offices of Edward M. Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a wrong-way accident in Las Vegas
You have a right to seek compensation for damages incurred when hit head-on by a driver in a wrong-way accident. You can recover damages for property damage, medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages that you shouldn’t be held responsible for because of an accident you didn’t cause. Our team can also help you determine whether you have a claim for punitive damages owing to reckless or negligent conduct, especially if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the wrong-way driving accident.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a wrong-way driving crash, contact Edward M. Bernstein & Associates at (702) 979-4791 for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you win your case.