With a large population and many sights to see, traffic is heavy in many areas of Salinas. With more traffic on our major highways like Highway 101 and 183, it is no surprise that serious car accidents happen in the blink of an eye in Salinas each day. These collisions take on many forms but wrong-way accidents are known to cause some of the most life-altering results.
Our attorneys at Maison Law have represented many victims of car accidents in Salinas and will stand by your side after a devastating collision. We understand how overwhelmed you likely feel after an accident and will provide you with resources that you need to be successful in a claim against another party. Please do not hesitate to contact our Salinas car accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident.
What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents on Salinas Roads?
Wrong-way accidents, which happen when a driver is traveling in the wrong lane of traffic, put many parties at risk when they occur. These accidents typically end in head-on collisions, rollovers, and more – which lead to catastrophic damage, injuries, and even take the lives of many. There are some common reasons for wrong-way accidents that occur in Salinas each year, which include the following:
Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is dangerous in many ways, as it makes it difficult to process information and quickly react to what is happening around a driver. In the blink of an eye, a drunk driver could end up in the wrong lane of traffic, leading to a devastating collision.
Drowsy Driving: Driving while fatigued can have the same impact on a person’s body as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver who dozed off at the wheel for a few seconds may not realize that they traveled into the other lane until it is too late.
Driver Distractions: A driver who is driving distracted can also turn down a one-lane street headed in the wrong direction or mistakenly travel into the wrong lane of traffic. Distractions behind the wheel include texting, using GPS, fiddling with the radio, or even talking to passengers in the vehicle.
Adverse Weather: A driver’s visibility can be reduced due to conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or sleet. A driver may not see signs that could prevent them from traveling in the wrong direction.
Confusing Signs: When signs are not present or unclear, a wrong-way accident can occur. Exit ramps are supposed to include one-way, do not enter, or wrong-way signs but there are many reasons why these signs can be missed.
Unfamiliar Roads: If a driver is not familiar with an area, they might travel in the wrong direction and cause a wrong-way accident.
Proving Fault After a Wrong-Way Collision
In many wrong-way collisions, negligence was at play. Perhaps a driver wasn’t paying attention to road signs or decided to drink and then get behind the wheel. Any number of reasons can cause a driver to end up in the wrong lane and cause a traumatic accident. If you believe that another party is liable for your wrong-way accident and the injuries that have resulted, you must show the following aspects:
- The driver who caused your accident had a duty of care to abide by the rules of the road.
- The driver breached that duty of care due to their negligent acts.
- The breach of duty caused the driver to drive in the wrong direction, leading to your accident.
- You sustained verifiable damages as a result of the collision.
There are many ways that you can prove that another party caused your wrong-way accident, such as through police reports or witness statements. From the moment your accident occurs, you should start gathering evidence that can be useful in your claim as you work to protect your rights.
Available Damages in a Wrong-Way Accident
Wrong-way accidents, especially those that end in head-on collisions, are capable of causing devastating and even life-long injuries. As a result, you may be eligible to receive a variety of damages in the event of a personal injury claim. These include some of the following:
- Medical bills that you have obtained
- Medical bills you expect to incur in the future
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
It is true that, the more severe your injuries, the more likely you are to receive a larger settlement amount. Speaking with a legal advocate can ensure that all costs are considered so that you can ensure you ask for the appropriate number of damages.
How Wrong-Way Collisions Can Be Prevented in Salinas
Wrong-way accidents are entirely preventable but continue to happen every year in Salinas and throughout the rest of California. There are certain precautions that drivers can take so that these accidents can be prevented, saving many lives each year:
- Always obey the rules of the road, as well as signs posted in a particular area.
- Pay attention to what is happening on the road before you.
- Reduce your speed or safely leave the road if you see a driver traveling in the wrong lane.
- Report drivers who are driving erratically.
- If you come into contact with a wrong-way sign while driving, turn around.
Contact a Salinas Car Accident Lawyer
At Maison Law, our experienced Salinas car accident lawyers are here to listen to what happened to you in the midst of your accident. We will help you gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance company so that you can focus on your physical recovery. You should never have to worry about how you will move forward financially after a car accident. Please contact us today for a free and completely confidential case review.
