Semi-Truck Accident 101: What Every Passenger Car Driver Should Understand

Common Causes Of Wrong Way Accidents And Potentially Liable Parties

27 June 2018 by Kenneth Graham

Wrong way driving can cause a nasty accident because it can lead to a head-on collision at full speed. Here are some of the reasons some drivers find themselves driving the wrong way:

Missing or Improper Road Signage

In areas with multiple roads and lanes, it is easy to drive in the wrong lanes if the road signs are erroneous, damaged, or missing. In most cases, roads are designed with proper signs and the signs only go missing due to damage. For example, a truck accident can knock over a road sign--leaving motorists confused. Road signs can also be knocked over by storms or vandalized by criminals.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol and drugs are known to impair people's judgment and driving. There is no telling what you will do once you are drunk and behind the wheel. The more intoxicated you are, the more likely you are to make mistakes while driving, which may include wrong-way driving. This is one more reason you should never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

Distracted Driving

Safe driving requires your full attention; your eyes should be on the road, your hands should be on the wheel to control the car, and your ears should be alert for road noises that may signal road emergencies (such as an oncoming fire engine). Therefore, anything that distracts you from doing any of these things can easily lead to wrong way driving. For example, it is easy to miss a one-way sign if you are talking on the phone or wiping spilled sauce on your shirt. In the top causes of driving distractions are cellphone use, getting lost in thought, eating, or reaching for objects in the car.

Car Malfunction

There are cases where car malfunction can lead to wrong way driving. Any car malfunction that makes it impossible or difficult to steer or brake the car can lead to distracted driving. For example, you may find it difficult to steer into the correct lane if your power steering fails at the wrong moment. Another example is if your tire bursts and you lose control of your car. This could cause your car to veer onto the wrong lane.

Liability for Wrong-Way Driving

Liability for wrong-way driving accidents depends on what made the driver go the wrong way in the first place; for example:

• the driver may be liable for the crash if they got drunk and drove into the wrong lane
• the government may be responsible if road signs were not maintained
• the mechanic may be responsible if a negligent repair ended up causing the accident

If you are looking for an accident and personal injury attorney due to wrong way driving, or any other negligence, contact a law firm like Teresa P Williams for help. 

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