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Wrong-Way Entry On A Highway Accidents — What You Need To Know | GMFM Law


Wrong-Way Accidents on HighwayAccidents caused by wrong-way entry on a highway are relatively uncommon. They only make up about 3% of all motor vehicle accidents, according to the Department of Transportation.

However, they have a very high fatality and injury rate. It’s estimated that a fatality is up to 27% more likely in a wrong-way driving accident, and around 300-400 deaths are caused by wrong-way driving each year, according to the NTSB.

Why Are Wrong-Way Accidents So Deadly And Dangerous?

Unlike rear-end accidents and other less serious accidents which often leave both parties unscathed, the majority of wrong-way accidents are head-on collisions. In addition, one or more parties may be driving at highway speeds of 70+ miles per hour, meaning that a head-on collision is extremely damaging.

Often, a head-on collision at such high speeds will result in one or more fatalities, even in safe, modern cars. And even if there are no fatalities, serious injuries are very common, including:

  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones and extremities
  • Limb loss
  • Spinal cord and head injuries
  • Chest and abdomen injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Broken ribs

Long-term residual effects may result from these injuries, which may require months of surgery and physical therapy to treat, and could even result in permanent disability.

What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents?

Usually, wrong-way accidents occur when a driver accidentally enters a highway on-ramp. Often, vision is restricted by curving highway ramps in these cases, leading to an unavoidable head-on collision.

There are several reasons a driver may make this mistake. They include:

  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Driving while sleepy
  • Unfamiliarity with an area
  • Poorly marked highway entrance signs and lack of stoplights
  • Inexperienced or first-time driver/learner

Typically, those who enter an on or off-ramp in the wrong direction quickly realize their mistake, and take emergency action to get off of the road, and avoid harming other drivers. But this is not always the case.

Wrongful Death? Injured Or Disabled In A Car Accident? Contact GMFM Law Now!

For over 40 years, GMFM Law has handled personal injury cases, wrongful death suits, and auto accident litigation. If you have been injured in a wrong-way driving accident, you may be eligible for damages for pain and suffering, hospital bills, lost wages, and more.

Contact our firm now and get a free consultation. We’ll examine the details of your accident, and help you determine whether or not you have a legitimate case.