Wrong-Way Collisions
Wrong-way collisions are some of the deadliest car accidents on Ohio roads. According to a report compiled by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong-way driving is defined as “vehicular movement along a travel lane in a direction opposing the legal flow of traffic on high-speed divided highways or access ramps.”
The data from the NTSB report focuses specifically on wrong-way travel on “controlled-access highways, including entrance and exit ramps.” While these collisions do not happen as often as other crash types, they are especially deadly. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a wrong-way collision, you should know I have won more cases than any of the other Cleveland car accident lawyers. In my more than 40 year legal career, I have won thousands of injury cases resulting from car crashes – worth tens of millions of dollars to my clients, and I can help you with your claim.
Getting the Facts About Wrong-Way Crashes
The NTSB cites the following information about these collisions:
May be up to 27 times deadlier than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents;
More than 20% of all wrong direction collisions are fatal, compared with under 1% of all other types of car accidents;
Majority of wrong-way crashes are head-on collisions that result in life-threatening or fatal injuries; and
60% or more of wrong-way collisions are the result of drunk driving.
I want to make sure you obtain the compensation you deserve if a drunk driver or another negligent motorist caused your injuries.
Injuries From Serious Collisions
Wrong way driving collisions, often result from distracted driving or impaired judgment, can lead to a range of injuries for car accident victims. A car accident involving a wrong way driver can be incredibly devastating. Noted below are some injuries commonly associated with such incidents:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a commonly seen injury in wrong way collisions. Whiplash occurs when the neck and head snap back and forth suddenly due to an impact. This jolt can result in neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when car accident victims experience a direct blow to the head, such as when their head collides with their vehicle’s dashboard or steering wheel. Symptoms can vary from a mild concussion to a severe brain injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A wrong way collision can cause severe back injuries including injury to the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can affect the victim’s mobility and sensation. Spinal cord injuries can range from herniated discs to complete paralysis.
Broken Bones
The force of a wrong way collision can cause bone fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis and head. These fractures may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
The forceful impact from a head on collision can result in internal injuries, including organ damage and hemorrhage. Sometime, these ‘invisible’ injuries are not immediately apparent or diagnosed, which can quickly lead to severe medical complications.
Cuts and Abrasions
Car accident victims may suffer cuts and abrasions from broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris within the vehicle following a collision. These injuries may occur in combination with other injuries such as broken bones, head trauma and internal injuries.
Burns
In rare cases, wrong way collisions can result in vehicle fires, leading to burn injuries. Burns can range from minor to severe, depending on the extent of the fire, and the victim’s proximity to it.
Psychological Trauma
Car accident victims may experience ongoing psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and/or depression.
Seatbelt Injuries
While seatbelts save lives, they can also cause injuries. Seatbelts can cause bruising to the chest, or abdominal contusions, particularly in high-impact collisions.
Airbag Injuries
Deployed airbags often prevent more severe injuries, however they also may cause facial abrasions, burns, or fractures due to the force of the deployment.
Amputations
In extreme cases, the force of a wrong way collision may not take a life, but it can cause traumatic amputations of extremities. As a result, the accident victim(s) suffers permanent disability and their lives are forever changed.
Death
Sadly, wrong way collisions can result in fatalities for the negligent driver as well as the innocent victims and their families. Nothing can bring a family member back, but it is my job to ensure the negligent party is held accountable and you and your family are justly compensated.
Wrong way collisions often cause catastrophic injuries. Entire families are impacted. For more than 40 years, I’ve represented accident victims and their families. I’ve won thousands of car accident cases, and can help you obtain financial compensation. I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Awarded Damages
Medical Expenses: Awarded damages cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to the accident.
Property Damage: Damages cover the repair or replacement of the vehicle and any personal property that was damaged in the accident. This includes, mobile phones, computers, equipment or other personal belongings inside the car or trunk
Lost Wages: This award compensates victims for lost income due to missed workdays, reduced work hours, or even job termination.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Damages may be awarded if the accident resulted in long-term or permanent disability that limits one’s ability to earn a living. The award accounts for reduced future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Damages are provided for the physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident and injuries. This is a subjective assessment and can vary greatly based on individual cases.
Emotional Distress: Emotional distress is considered separate from pain and suffering. Damages may be awarded for emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting.
Loss of Consortium: This financial award compensates victims for the loss of companionship and support of a spouse or other family member.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation is awarded for visible scars or permanent disfigurement resulting from the accident, as these can affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
Rehabilitation and Therapy: Damages may cover the cost of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or rehabilitation programs necessary to recover from injuries sustained in the accident.
Home Modifications: If an accident resulted in a disability, it may be necessary to make modifications to the injured person’s home. The award would pay for ramps, wider doorways to accommodate a wheelchair, handicap-friendly bathroom renovation, and more.
Transportation Costs: Damages may include reimbursement for transportation costs related to medical appointments and therapy sessions, especially if the injured person is unable to drive.
Funeral and Burial Expenses: In the case of a fatal accident, damages may be awarded to cover funeral and burial costs, alleviating the financial burden on the family.
Loss of Life Enjoyment: This award compensates injured victims if they are no longer able to enjoy or participate in activities and hobbies that were enjoyed prior to the accident.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party, and deter similar behavior in the future.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes reimbursement for miscellaneous costs incurred as a result of the accident, such as prescription medications, medical supplies, or assistive devices.
Future Medical Expenses: Damages can cover anticipated medical costs for ongoing treatment, surgery, or therapy due to accident-related injuries; even if they occur in the future.
Loss of Use of Vehicle: If the injured person cannot use their vehicle because of repairs or replacement, they may be compensated for the inconvenience and added expenses of alternative transportation.
Cleveland Car Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a car crash?
After a car crash, prioritize safety. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. Move to a safe location if possible. Exchange information with the other driver(s), and document the scene with photos. Contact the police, your insurance company and call me! Never settle with an insurance company without legal representation!
How can I determine who was at fault in a car accident?
Fault determination depends on various factors, including witness statements, police reports, and evidence at the scene. Insurance companies and legal professionals may assist in determining fault based on these factors. My team of experts will gather the facts and evidence to substantiate the claim.
What is considered driver error in the context of a car accident?
Driver error includes actions such as speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, texting while driving, and other behaviors that breach traffic laws or exhibit negligence behind the wheel.
What should I do if I encounter a wrong way driver?
Safely pull over to the side of the road, honk your horn to alert the wrong way driver, and call 911 to report the situation. Avoid trying to confront or evade the wrong way driver.
What steps should I take if I suspect a negligent driver caused the accident?
Document the scene, gather witness information, and report the accident to the police. Inform your insurance company and call me. I will help you through the process, and obtain the information you need for a successful case.
How can I avoid accidents with wrong way drivers?
Stay alert, obey traffic signs and signals, and avoid distractions while driving. Be cautious at intersections and highway ramps, where wrong way drivers are more likely to enter.
What information should I exchange with the other driver(s) after a car accident?
Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other driver(s). It’s also helpful to note the accident location and gather witness information.
How does my insurance company determine fault in a car accident?
Insurance companies rely on police reports, witness statements, photos, and other evidence to assess fault. They may also consider state traffic laws and their own policies.
How can I protect my legal rights and interests following a car accident?
Seek medical attention if injured, document the scene, contact the police, report the accident to your insurance company and call me. I’ll work out the details of your case.
What is the process for filing a claim with my insurance company after a car accident?
Contact your insurance company to report the accident, provide requested information, and cooperate with their investigation. They will guide you through the claims process, but do so under the watchful eye of an attorney.
How can I obtain a copy of the police report?
You can typically request a copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. There may be a nominal fee for obtaining the report.
How can I ensure I receive fair compensation from the insurance company for my car accident injuries and damages?
This is the most important reason to call me. Insurance companies big business, and are more concerned with profits than making fair payments. I’ll be there to deal with the insurance companies. Needless to say, insurance companies do not like to hear my voice on the other end of the line. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Timeline for Filing a Wrong-Way Collision Claim in Cleveland
If you want to file a wrong-way car accident case, you need to be aware of the statute of limitations. In Ohio, the statute of limitations sets a time window in which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit. I know it is extremely difficult to think about a lawsuit when you are contending with medical issues or grieving the death of a loved one. However, if you do not file your claim within the window set by the statute of limitations, your claim will become time-barred.
The statutes of limitations differs slightly for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Under Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations, a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. The Ohio wrongful death statute of limitations is also two years, but the clock starts ticking on the date of death (as opposed to the date of the accident).
Contact Me for More Information About Filing a Wrong-Way Car Accident Claim
I have spent my life representing injury victims in a wide variety of car accident cases. As an experienced Cleveland car accident lawyer, I know how devastating wrong-way collisions can be.
No one should suffer the consequences of a negligent driver. If a negligent motorist caused a wrong-way accident in which you sustained severe injuries or lost a loved one, let me help you seek the financial compensation you need and deserve.
When it comes to holding reckless drivers accountable, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Do not hesitate to call me to discuss your legal options. Remember, you will not pay 1 cent out of pocket for anything involving your claim. I only get paid when you do!
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