Understanding Wrong-Way Driving Accidents in Florida
Wrong-way accidents are among the most devastating types of vehicle crashes on Florida roadways. Wrong-way collisions typically involve negligent drivers hitting another vehicle head-on, leading to significant injuries and even fatalities.
No one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario. However, understanding the causes, consequences, and what to do after a wrong-way accident is crucial for protecting yourself and being prepared in the event of a crash.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving Accidents in Florida
Most Florida wrong-way driving accidents are caused by driver error and careless behavior behind the wheel.
Driver impairment is one of the leading causes of wrong-way and head-on collisions because when a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, it is easy to miss critical signs and signals meant to prevent a driver from entering a roadway from the wrong direction.
Other common issues that can lead to a car driving the wrong way and causing an accident include:
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver confusion or age-related issues
- Driver inexperience or unfamiliarity with local roadways
- Poor signage or confusing road design
- Poor visibility
An underlying theme connects many of the common causes of wrong-way accidents: the fundamental failure to understand and react to a driver’s surroundings. Whether due to impairment, fatigue, distractions, or confusion, a driver’s inability to understand, see, and respond to their immediate surroundings can lead to devastating consequences.
Serious Injuries Caused by Wrong-Way Collisions
While wrong-way crashes are not as common as other types of collisions, they are among the most catastrophic. Wrong-way driving often results in head-on collisions that have a high fatality rate. There were 3,854 wrong-way crashes on Florida roadways in a recent year, 128 of which were fatal.
Survivors of wrong-way driver accidents often suffer severe injuries, which can include:
- Paralysis
- Other neck and spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Dislocations
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
People lawfully traveling down a Florida roadway are not expecting the sudden and traumatic experience of being hit by a driver going the wrong way. These shocking accidents can also have a lasting psychological impact on victims, causing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Determining Liability in Florida Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
Determining who is liable for a Florida wrong-way crash can be complex. While in most cases the wrong-way driver is presumed to be at fault, there are situations where the driver and another party may share liability for a wrong-way crash. For example, if the collision occurred due to a poor or missing roadway sign, a lack of signage, or overgrown vegetation blocking traffic signs, a government entity, contractor, or roadway maintenance service may also be liable.
Proving liability involves immediately collecting and preserving evidence that can point to fault, demonstrating how a party breached their duty of care, leading to the crash and a victim’s subsequent injuries. Individuals with significant injuries may not have the ability or resources to gather the necessary evidence to prove liability, which is why it is essential to get help from a Florida wrong-way driving accidents lawyer.
Contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A., for Help with Your Wrong-Way Car Accident Case
After a wrong-way car crash, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. The second step is to contact a Florida wrong-way driving accidents attorney from Rosen & Ohr, P.A. Our team has been advocating for Florida accident victims for over 50 years, blending compassion with aggressive legal representation to help you pursue maximum compensation.
Contact our office today and request a free initial consultation.
Jerrad Ohr focuses on workers’ compensation cases, personal injury claims, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death lawsuits, and medical malpractice cases. Mr. Ohr’s hard work ethic, innovative drive, technical experience, and extensive array of knowledge provide great assets to our firm’s clients.
