Wrong way accidents are less common than rear-end shunt accidents and sideswipe accidents in Coral Gables and other Southern Florida communities, but they can often involve high speeds, multiple vehicles, and serious injuries.
Why Do Wrong Way Accidents Happen?
FDOT installs “wrong way” signs, “one way street” signs, “do not enter” indicators, and other markers to clearly indicate to drivers where they should and should not be driving. Despite this, wrong way accidents can happen for a number of reasons:
- Drivers driving at night may not see the signage.
- Signage may be damaged or less visible with time.
- Drivers may be distracted and not notice signs indicating they are driving the wrong way.
- Drunk driving plays a role in many wrong way accidents.
- Motorists may be experiencing a condition, such as dementia, which may affect their ability to drive safely.
- Drivers may take “shortcuts,” including dangerous shortcuts driving the wrong way.
- Construction zones may make it harder to tell where the flow of traffic is headed.
What To Do If You’re The One Driving the Wrong Way
If you find yourself heading towards a “wrong way” sign and realize you have made a mistake and are headed in the wrong direction, you will want to come to a complete stop and pull over so you are not in the way of traffic. Evaluate the situation and once it is safe to turn around, turn around and head back the right way.
What To Do If Another Driver is Headed the Wrong Way
If you see a driver heading the wrong way, use extra caution. The driver may be disoriented, lost, or inebriated. Slow down and pull over to get out of the way so you’re not in a head-on collision. FDOT also recommends calling 911 to report the unsafe driving. Your first priority in this situation, however, is to stay safe and to avoid getting injured.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Wrong Way Accident
Wrong way accidents are preventable. They can be caused by poor signage, insufficient lighting, or reckless drivers who do not obey the rules. If you have been injured and think someone’s recklessness may have played a role, contact Flaxman Law Group 866-352-9626 to speak to a live person 24/7. We can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney who can answer all your questions. You can also contact us online or email accident attorney Charles Flaxman at cflaxman@flaxmanlaw.com. We can explain whether you have a claim and can seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, property and car damage, lost wages, and the other losses you have suffered.