Wrong-way motor vehicle accidents

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Car Accidents, on Thursday, September 3, 2015

Wrong-way accidents can occur for various reasons on Massachusetts roads, and they can be quite devastating due to the impact of two vehicles moving in opposite directions. Statistics for such instances can vary from one state to another, but in most cases, head-on accidents in which drivers have entered divided areas with limited access are many times more likely to be fatal than accidents involving vehicles traveling in the same direction. As the National Transportation Safety Board has studied the issue of wrong-way accidents over the decades, it has identified alcohol as a major contributing factor in such incidents. Medical causes are also notable in many wrong-way scenarios. These situations can include problems with confusion or misdirection due to certain medical conditions. They can also include confusion because of strong prescription medications. Toxicology results are important in assessing a wrong-way accident as its cause is determined. Additionally, it may be helpful to identify issues such as clarity of road signage, obstructions, and other factors that might prevent a driver from avoiding incorrect entry onto a road. Head-on accidents can occur in both rural and urban settings. They are less frequent than other types of accidents, but their results can devastate families of those who are seriously injured or killed. The details related to the causes may be important to both insurance companies and authorities as responsibility is identified. Additionally, families affected by such accidents may find that the details are helpful with wrongful death litigation.Survivors of an individual who is killed in a wrong-way accident might consider working with a lawyer to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. Timing is important due to the statute of limitations. It is also important to ensure that all damages that are applicable and allowed by statute are sought in the action.