In the first week of 2024, there were 3 deadly wrong-way driving crashes in Central Florida. Now that we are just about a month in to 2024, more reports of wrong-way drivers continue to roll in.
A wrong-way driver in Polk County was arrested for DUI early Sunday morning.
Earlier this month, a 49-year-old man was killed in a wrong-way driving accident in Sumter County.
Earlier this month, a woman was killed and another injured in a wrong-way crash in Apopka, Fla.
A wrong way driving crash in Brevard County earlier this month left one dead and 5 others injured.
According to a report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were 3,885 deaths from wrong-way collisions across the U.S. between 2010-2018. This breaks down to about 430 deaths per year. The study found that contributing factors for driving the wrong way include operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, motorists with suspended, revoked, or expired driver’s licenses, and drivers over the age of 70.
According to AAA, approximately 87% of wrong-way crashes occur when drivers travel alone in a car. While passengers might be a distraction, they can also help the driver by keeping an eye on the road and pointing out any dangers from outside the vehicle.
AAA also reported that with an average of 67.7 per year, wrong-way crash deaths occur most frequently in Texas. At 34.4 annual wrong-way deadly crashes, Florida had the second-highest yearly average.
Evidence is crucial in personal injury cases. You must demonstrate that the other driver was driving in the wrong direction and that their negligent acts caused your injuries. You can utilize several methods to demonstrate their responsibility for the collision, such as:
- Police Report: Any collision resulting in a fatality, serious injury, or property damage exceeding a certain amount requires the police to get involved. Head-on collisions can frequently result from wrong-way accidents, which usually result in very serious injuries or wrongful death. Police will document the aftermath of the incident, the locations of the vehicles, the conditions of the road and surroundings, and the driver’s status – whether they were intoxicated.
- Witness Statements: Although eyewitness testimony is not always trustworthy, having a witness account of a wrong-way crash will help your insurance claim.
- Pictures or Videos of the Crash Site: If you can, try to get pictures or videos of the crash scene. You can obtain images of street signs and traffic flow to demonstrate that the driver was traveling in the incorrect direction when the accident occurred.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: Expert analysts who specialize in accident reconstruction can reconstruct what happened using crash forensic evidence. Your claim can be strengthened if they can demonstrate how the driver traveling the incorrect way caused the collision.
How Can a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Wrong-way crashes can cause significant property damage and serious injuries. In the worst circumstances, a wrong-way crash could claim the life of a loved one. When a careless driver injures you or a loved one, you should be compensated.
Our Florida Car Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will explain your legal alternatives for obtaining compensation for your injuries. We can investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, collect important evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Not every case involving a wrong-way driver ends up in court, but we are trial lawyers who know how to handle that kind of situation. You deserve reliable and trustworthy legal counsel.
Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are knowledgeable about Florida’s personal injury laws and are ready to assist you with your claim. If the case proceeds to court, we can support you. You owe us nothing unless we win your settlement since we work under a no-win, no-fee model.
We are aware that wrong-way driving accidents can be traumatic, and insurance companies may not always be helpful. As you heal physically from the collision, you should contact us for assistance with your legal issues. Call us today at 866-608-5529 for a free consultation.