Wrong Way Drivers in Georgia Cause Potentially Fatal Head-On Collisions

While any car accident can be a harrowing experience, wrong way accidents can be especially devastating because they frequently result in head-on collisions.

These extremely dangerous types of collisions are far more common than one might assume. A collision a week ago on the River Watch Parkway in Augusta that caused a multi-car pileup serves as a recent example. The driver of an SUV proceeded the wrong way down River Watch and collided with several other vehicles. At least three people required significant medical care and treatment.

There are a number of common causes of wrong way accidents in Atlanta and the surrounding areas of Georgia including the following:

Age-Related Accidents: When drivers suffer from conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, drivers can become confused or lack the cognitive ability to understand or obey signs.

Poor Signage and Unsafe Roadways: If the signage for a one-way street or freeway ramp is not properly marked, motorists can become confused and enter the freeway from an off-ramp or turn the wrong way down a one-way street. A lack of protective barriers or poor design of roadways can also result in vehicles traveling the wrong way into a head-on collision.

Drug or Alcohol Impaired Driver: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may experience impaired perception, judgment, decision-making and vision. It also is not uncommon for a drunk or stoned driver to steer toward headlights when traveling in the wrong direction.

Medical Emergencies: While certain medical emergencies may be unanticipated, some drivers know that they suffer from epileptic seizures and other incapacitating medical conditions. When drivers operate a motor vehicle knowing they suffer from seizures, narcolepsy or other debilitating conditions which can cause a loss of consciousness or mental confusion, the driver may be liable for wrong way collisions.

Many wrong way accidents involve head-on collisions at high rates of speed so the force of impact is substantial and can cause permanent injuries or fatalities. While driving the wrong way is certainly a negligent driving practice, insurance companies will still explore ways to minimize the exposure of their insured and the money the insurance company will have to pay. While it may seem counter-intuitive that you can be found negligent when you are hit by a driver traveling in the wrong direction, insurance companies may try to argue that you were speeding, distracted or otherwise engaging in driving behavior that contributed to the collision or worsened your injuries. This can result in a reduction in your recovery in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Our Georgia car wreck lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.