Oklahoma Wrong Way Car Accident Lawyers
Wrong Way Driving Accident
A head-on collision is very likely to end in serious or fatal injuries. When a driver, whether drunk, confused, drug-intoxicated, or on prescription medication, drives the wrong way on a highway, or entrance or exit ramp, innocent people lose their lives or suffer serious or incapacitating injuries. These accidents account for about 3 percent of the accidents nationwide, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident in Oklahoma with a wrong way driver, it is important that you speak with a legal professional about moving forward with legal action. Research has revealed that the rate of impaired driving in wrong way driver accidents stands at about 58 percent, almost twice the rate of other types of fatal crashes. Older drivers account for 15 percent of these accidents, and the negligent driver is twice as likely to be male as female.
Injured by a Wrong Way Driver in Oklahoma?
The injuries sustained in a wrong way accident are usually very serious, or prove fatal. The victim may be left with permanent disabilities, and facing long term medical treatment and care, all at high cost. He or she may be unable to work, much less return to the life lived prior to the collision. Medical professionals will make every effort to restore as much ability as possible, but many victims are so seriously injured that there is little possibility to return to the quality of life enjoyed prior to the accident. The negligent driver must be held accountable for causing the accident, and be forced to pay compensation for damages, whether via an insurance claim or by filing a lawsuit. That's when the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your case, and the amount paid in compensation.
Wrong way drivers often exhibit other dangerous driving behaviors prior to driving the wrong way on a highway or ramp. Weaving, drifting, speeding, making turns with a wide radius, and other dangerous driving conduct are common for alcohol and drug-intoxicated drivers. Cognitive abilities are greatly reduced by over-consumption of alcohol, and certain medications and controlled substances also contribute to dangerous driving behaviors. A wrong way driver poses a serious risk to other drivers, as the presence of the vehicle travelling the wrong way can make a collision impossible to avoid. Even the most careful, law-abiding drivers can become a victim of one of these negligent drivers, often with a tragic outcome.
Wrong Way Driver Accidents and Injuries
The injuries sustained are frequently very serious or fatal, as the collision is head-on. The NHTSA reports that in a recent year, 32,675 people died in vehicle crashes, and 2.3 million were injured. In Oklahoma, 669 people died in the most recently reported year. 33 percent of these drivers are reported as driving under the influence, and almost 2 percent were driving the wrong way on a highway, street, on-ramp or off-ramp. The injuries commonly reported in these collisions include the following:
- Severe head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, tetraplegia)
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Severe lacerations
- Loss of limb (hand, arm, foot, leg)
- Fatal injuries
Get the Best Car Accident Help
After such a serious, tragic collision – which could have been avoided – it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Our OK car accident attorneys can help you seek justice and compensation after a wrong way driver accident. Call Car Accident Help. We can be reached at (405) 285-4357.
Additional Information
- Highway Special Investigation Report - Wrong-Way Driving
- Wrong-Way Driving
- Wrong Way Driving - Road Safety Audit Prompt List
Related Links
Don't Wreck Twice
You've Already Wrecked Your Car, Now DON'T Wreck Your Case! Get your FREE instant download to learn EXACTLY what you need to do so that you don't wreck twice!
Download Now