One of the deadliest types of crashes involves drivers going the wrong way.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has launched a pilot program to prevent wrong-way crashes.
According to WickedLocal, MassDOT Highway Division will install a wrong-way vehicle detection system at 16 highway ramps where deadly crashes have happened. A driver traveling in the wrong direction will see flashing warning lights on signs. The goal is to alert the driver of their error so they can turn around.
Fatal accidents have increased over recent years, WickedLocal reports. About 430 people died last year, up from 418 the year before. It’s estimated that about 30 people each year die in wrong-way driver car accidents.
An experienced injury lawyer knows that drivers in wrong-way accidents often don’t realize they are going in the wrong direction until it is too late. Even if drivers realize they are going the wrong way, they often have difficulty navigating backward to correct the mistake. That’s why efforts such as the DOT’s should be supported.
How do wrong-way accidents happen?
Sometimes drivers are distracted and turn onto a ramp designed for traffic leaving the highway. In other cases, the driver might be impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Drivers unfamiliar with the roads in the area
- Poor road design
- Lack of signs
- Drowsy driver
- Poor visibility
Injuries in wrong-way crashes can be severe or fatal. Wrong-way accidents, in many cases, are head-on. If the occupants of the cars survive, they may face long-term injuries such as head trauma or spinal cord damage, which could lead to permanent disability.
How a car accident lawyer in Massachusetts can help
If you are injured or lose a loved one in a wrong-way accident, you may be facing significant financial losses in addition to the emotional impact of the crash. Damages in a wrong-way driving accident case typically involve:
- Loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
With so much at stake, contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident is essential. Without legal help, you face the insurance companies on your own. They may offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the full extent of your losses. The at-fault driver’s insurance company typically will look for ways to keep payments to a minimum.
While the wrong-way driver is clearly at fault in the accident, insurance companies can make the claims process complex and difficult. That’s why it’s wise to consult a lawyer to find your best path forward.
Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone to schedule a free consultation. We have handled all types of accidents involving negligence, including wrong-way crashes. We work aggressively on behalf of clients. Let us work for you. Best of all, you won’t pay us anything unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. Tell them you mean business!