Wrong-way collisions can change lives in an instant. These head-on collisions usually occur in the early morning hours, late at night, on the weekends, and frequently involve impaired drivers.
One of the more common situations that can lead to head-on collisions is when a car enters the exit ramp of a highway or interstate. Wrong-way collisions are typically more severe than other types of wrecks, causing more damages, and frequently fatal.
If you’re injured in an accident due to a wrong-way collision, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your options. You can contact us by phone at 864-235-4999 by clicking the button below or through our contact form.
According to media reports, 5 people died in a wrong-way car accident on Saturday, November 15, 2020, in Laurens County, South Carolina. A Kia was driving the wrong way on I-385 around 2:30 a.m. when the collision occurred. Click here for the full story.
On Sunday, August 30, 2020, a woman was killed in a wrong-way car accident in Easley. One vehicle was traveling north on a southbound lane. Another vehicle heading in the correct direction swerved to avoid a head-on collision and smashed into the roadside guardrail. However, disaster wasn’t averted as the wrong-way driver hit a Toyota Prius head-on, killing the driver of the Prius. Click here for the whole story.
Head-On and Wrong-Way Collisions
What is a Wrong Way Collision?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has defined a wrong-way car accident as “a collision involving vehicles traveling the wrong way on high-speed divided highways.”NTSB also claims wrong-way car accidents are one of the most serious types of accidents occurring on the highway in the United States.
How often do wrong-way collisions occur?
Wrong-way car accidents are uncommon. In fact, they comprise just 3 percent of accidents on highway interstates – or high-speed roads. However, even though wrong-way car accidents don’t occur frequently, they often produce very serious injuries and fatalities.
What are the most frequent causes of wrong-way car accidents?
Impaired driving, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving while extremely fatigued, is a major cause. Also, older drivers who may be confused about the direction or entrance onto a highway ramp may also be a frequent cause.
Who can be held liable?
A driver driving his motor vehicle down the wrong way of a road can be held liable for such negligence. If a state agency fails to properly label or places a sign incorrectly, then the agency responsible could be held accountable for the accident. A bar, restaurant, or similar establishment that over-over serves an intoxicated or impaired driver may be liable as well.
Wrongful Death in Head-on Collisions
If a fatality occurs due to a head-on collision, then the case will turn into a Wrongful Death case. Under South Carolina law, a personal representative must be appointed by the Probate Court. The personal representative, usually a family member, then will act on behalf of the Estate going forward in any motor vehicle accident claims.
Wrap Up
For over 15 years, our law firm has represented Upstate families in a variety of personal injury cases including wrong-way car accidents. If you or a family member suffer serious injuries as a result of a wrong-way collision, please don’t hesitate to call us at 864-235-4999 or fill out the form below to request a free consultation to discuss your case.