Like most Michigan motorists, you will probably would experience a strong sense of panic if you see two headlights, at night, heading straight for you in the same lane of traffic like in the photo. This fact pattern is thankfully really rare, but statistics from AAA still teach us that some disturbing trends on wrong way car accidents happen. In studies 2015 to 2018, the number of fatal wrong way auto crashes increased 34% as compared to the previous four years. On the average, approximately 500 people are killed in wrong way collisions, while thousands of other car accident victims suffer serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries in wrong-way motor vehicle accidents.
If you were hurt in a crash caused by a driver traveling in the opposite direction of traffic, it is critical to consult with a Michigan car accident attorney about your legal rights and remedies. Also, you may benefit from some of the following tips to keep in mind for avoiding a wrong-way collision:
Most people would naturally be shocked by the sight of a car going the wrong way and your first thought would be somehow alert other motorists who are traveling opposite of traffic. However, your first priority should be getting out of the way of the wrong way vehicle. Get over to a safe location off the road, come to a complete stop, and turn on your hazard lights and hunk your horn. After taking refuge, call 911 to let local law enforcement know about the wrong-way driver.
Depending on the location, traffic, and other circumstances, consider additional tips to avoid being involved in a wrong-way car accident:
According to AAA statistics, the top reason motorists end up driving the wrong way is impairment due to drugs or alcohol. Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Another cause of these wrong way driving incidents is being distracted by talking on the phone, texting, and other cell phone use, so stop using your mobile device while driving. Sometimes having passengers can be a blessing when faced with a wrong way driver since an extra pair of eyes in the car may help prevent you from heading in the wrong direction on a road or help you spot a wrong way driver coming at you.
Keep yourself and passengers safe may also mean knowing the other factors that can lead motorists to get on the wrong side of the road. Being unfamiliar with the neighborhood or confusion about signage is a reason some drivers end up going the wrong way in Michigan, and it is a bigger problem in construction zones.
Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer
Joseph Dedvukaj Accident & Injury Lawyers is a well-known highly respected personal injury law firm in Michigan. For decades the firm has represented victims in all types of accident injury, and wrongful death lawsuits. Founded by Joseph Dedvukaj in 1994, our firm is known in the legal profession for our lengthy and successful track record of meaningful service to our clients and the community. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing seriously injured people and their families in auto, car and motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, no-fault insurance claims, and product liability resulting in catastrophic consequences. Our personal injury attorneys have over 27 years of experience exclusively representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. The firm's owner has a Preeminent AV Rating by Martindale-Hubble and is consistently recognized as one of the "Top Lawyers" and other personal injury lawyer rating publications.
Joseph Dedvukaj Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers gives each client the attention and guidance needed to obtain the compensation they deserve. Our Michigan personal injury attorneys help clients in all phases of accident, injury, and wrongful death claims from initial investigation through trial and appellate proceedings. Contrary to the trend with many other injury law firms, The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm has remained small in numbers in order to provide the highest quality of service to our clients. Each client case is worked on by all the firm's partners.
Our Detroit area injury lawyers only focus on serious injury and death cases due to the careless and negligent acts of third parties. Our commitment to every client is to help each get a full cup of justice. That means we go as far as needed. We won't hesitate to bring your case to jury trial. We will take or defend appeals to the highest court in the land.
Our mission is simple. Our job is to find the truth and use it in courtrooms to get justice for our clients and thereby promote safety for all others.
Though the exact causes of a wrong-way collision may vary, these incidents are clearly the result of motorist negligence. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses, so please contact us at 866-HIRE-JOE to speak to a car accident attorney at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm to learn how we can help with filing an insurance claim and litigation. We can schedule a free consultation to meet with you at you home, on zoom, or in our offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. BBB A+ Rated Injury Accident Firm.
