Wrong way driving is a driver’s worst nightmare. Imagine going 70 mph on the freeway at night when all of a sudden you see the oncoming headlights of a wrong-way driver charging at you head on. It’s a terrifying scenario to consider. If you’re lucky, you will have time and space to pull off the road and escape the situation unscathed. For others, wrong way driving can result in accidents that cause severe injuries and even death.

Unfortunately, wrong-way driving accidents continue to be common occurrence not only in Florida but nationwide. Between 2015 and 2018, more than 2,000 people in the United States died from wrong-way crashes. In Florida, that number was 135.

If you or someone you loved has been injured or killed in a wrong-way collision in Florida, the attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga can provide legal counsel and help you fight for the compensation you’re owed.

Why Do Some People in Florida Drive in the Wrong Direction?

Whenever there’s a story in the news about an accident caused by a wrong-way driver, many people are in disbelief and wonder how something like this could have happened.

There are actually many reasons why people end up driving in the wrong direction. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Poor visibility due to darkness, fog or rain
• Driver fatigue or drowsiness
• Poor directional signage
• Confusing road layouts
• Inexperienced drivers
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs

Who Can Be Liable in a Wrong-Way Driving Accident?

In a wrong-way driving accident, the driver of the vehicle going the wrong way can be held liable for any damages or injuries caused to others. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be held liable, such as a municipality if a road sign was missing or incorrect or a manufacturer if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident.

The Wrong Way Driver

In most wrong-way driving cases, the driver will be the sole party responsible for the accident. If it’s determined that a wrong-way driver was at fault for an accident, they may be held liable for any damages or injuries others endured as a result of their negligence. This could include medical bills, property damage, lost wages due to missed work and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if it is determined that the wrong-way driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness.

The Driver’s Employer

If the wrong-way driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable for the damages caused by the accident. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees are properly trained and qualified to operate a vehicle safely. If an employer fails to do so, they can be held liable for any accidents caused by their employee’s negligence.

Local Municipality Responsible for the Road’s Design and Signage

When a wrong-way driver causes an accident, the local municipality may be held responsible if it failed to maintain the road. This could include failing to properly mark lanes or failing to install adequate signage. In some cases, the municipality may also be held liable if it failed to take legal action against a driver who had previously been reported for driving the wrong way.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You with Your Wrong-Way Driving Accident Claim

An experienced car accident attorney can review the facts of your case and determine who is liable for the accident and subsequent injuries. An attorney can also advise you on what type of compensation you may be entitled to, such as money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage. They will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company on your behalf.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached and your case goes to trial, a Florida car accident attorney can provide legal advice and representation throughout the process of filing a lawsuit and fighting in court.

Discuss Your Case with the Car Accident Attorneys at Kanner and Pintaluga

At Kanner & Pintaluga, we know how physically, emotionally and financially devastating wrong-way driving accidents can be.

Our car accident attorneys are here to help you with filing a personal injury claim and getting the compensation you’re owed for the hardships you’ve been forced to endure in the aftermath of your accident.

To discuss your case for free, call our Florida law office at 800.586.5555.