If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re probably wondering what caused the crash and what you should do next. While there are many factors that can contribute to an accident, wrong way drivers are one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes wrong way driver accidents and how to stay safe on the road.
When you are injured in an accident, your world is turned upside down. You may be facing hospital bills, time off work, and a lengthy recovery. The ramifications can be wide-reaching and long-lasting. You may be dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship for months or even years after the crash. Wrong way drivers can cause serious accidents, and as a victim, you may be able to recover damages from the driver or their insurance company. Contact The Miller Law Firm for a free no-obligation case review today at 713-572-3333. Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, will never ask you to pay a dime unless he wins your case.
Wrong Way Driver Accident Statistics
In the US, wrong way driving accidents cause approximately 300 deaths and 15,000 injuries per year. Wrong way crashes also cost American drivers an estimated $6 billion per year. On average , wrong-way driver accidents occur on a highway every 11 hours and of these wrong-way collisions, one third happen at night.
In Texas alone, wrong way crashes result in 400 injuries and 30 fatalities each year. Many wrong-way drivers in Texas are caused by drunk driving. In 2012 alone, wrong-way drivers were responsible for nearly 4% of all reported motor vehicle crashes in the state. In Texas, accidents caused by wrong way drivers have been responsible for at least 160 deaths from 2000 to 2010. Around 36 wrong-way crashes took place in March 2017 alone. About 75 percent of wrong way accident fatalities happen at night between 11 pm and 3 am.
What should you do if you see a wrong way driver on the highway or interstate in Texas?
If you ever see a wrong way driver on the highway or interstate, pull over and call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t try to stop the wrong way driver because they could accidentally hit you head on. This is exactly what happened in College Station when two wrong way drivers crashed into each other and killed 5 people total (the wrong way drivers and the innocent parties that were involved).
It’s always best to be safe than sorry! Always be careful when you’re out driving around, especially at night time. Look both ways before crossing an intersection! Always wear a seatbelt. Watch your speed and keep track of your surroundings. If you see another driver coming towards you try to avoid the crash, if possible, but without swerving into other drivers or pedestrians.
What kind of penalties could you face for being caught driving the wrong way on a highway or interstate here in Texas.
Driving wrong way on a highway or interstate is a crime in Texas. Wrong way drivers may face legal penalties for this action, even if they do not cause an accident. If the wrong way driving results into an accident that resulted in damage to other vehicles or property, the wrong way driver may face additional charges as well as fines and imprisonment if convicted. The wrong way driver may face fines of up to $500 for wrong-way driving . If the wrong way driving causes damage or injuries to other vehicles or property, there can be civil damages as well as criminal charges filed against wrong-way drivers. Having wrong-way driving as one’s criminal record could make it hard for those who have been charged to secure employment where the job requires driving.
In case of wrongful death because of wrong-way driving accident, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim. In most wrong way driving cases, the wrong way driver is usually at fault if his/her action caused the accident. Wrongful death lawsuits require filing a wrongful death lawsuit in order to recover losses incurred by wrongful deaths. This means that legal representation should always be sought before proceeding with any legal actions.
Contact an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a Texas vehicle accident that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden of the physical, emotional, and financial consequences alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Miller Law Firm are ready to help. Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog will always fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to, so that you can get back to living your life. Contact Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, today to schedule a free consultation.
