Wrong-way accidents are some of the most tragic in Dunwoody. When a driver travels the wrong way, it often causes a head-on collision. The injuries are very severe and often deadly.
Wrong-way accidents can happen for many reasons, but the result is always serious. If you or a loved one were injured in a wrong-way crash, you have rights. Talk to a Dunwoody wrong-way accident lawyer about getting recovery for your injuries.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have over 20 years of experience helping injured clients and their families. Let’s discuss your case options during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Possible Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
The driver who was traveling the wrong way is usually at fault. But there are many reasons someone might drive the wrong way.
Here are some common causes of wrong-way accidents.
Drunk Driving
Someone is usually impaired when they drive the wrong way. The driver might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These types of accidents are often deadly and injure many people.
Speeding
A wrong-way driver might be in a hurry. They are driving aggressively and thinking about getting to their destination.
Too late, the speeding driver notices that they’re on the wrong side of the road. For example, someone might turn the wrong way onto a one-way street.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has risen a lot in recent years—and it’s dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 2,841 people in 2018.
A distracted driver might be on their phone when they turn the wrong way onto a road. The driver doesn’t realize their mistake until it’s too late.
Bad Lighting
Sometimes, poor lighting contributes to a wrong-way accident. The driver might not notice that a road is two-way or that they’re going the wrong way. These crashes are more likely to occur at night.
Poor Road Signs
Bad road markings can confuse some drivers. A motorist might think they’re following a sign correctly. But they are actually traveling the wrong way.
The cause of the accident matters for your case. You’ll need to know how the crash happened and how the other driver was responsible. Thankfully, you don’t have to do this alone.
Discuss your accident with an experienced lawyer during a FREE consultation. Call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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Damages Available to You in a Wrong-Way Accident Claim
Georgia law allows you to recover money for your accident costs. “Damages” is the legal term of any losses you have.
Here are the main types of damages you might claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are also known as “special damages” in Georgia. These damages include:
- Medical costs
- Medication expenses
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
Your economic damages have set dollar amounts. You’ll need to prove these losses through bills and other documents.
Severe injuries can affect your life in many ways. For example, you might miss a lot of work time during treatment. These are your “lost wages.”
Some injuries become permanent and affect your ability to work. If so, you can also claim “loss of earning capacity.” To learn more, talk to a wrong-way accident lawyer.
Non-Economic Damages
Georgia law refers to non-economic damages as “general damages.” Your general damages are about how your injuries affect your life. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
These damages are more complicated. You don’t have to prove these losses like economic ones. But you will still need to assign a dollar value.
Of course, money cannot replace mental suffering. But it’s the only way the law knows how to compensate you for what you’ve lost. So, your lawyer will calculate the worth of your non-economic damages.
Sometimes, a wrong-way accident entitles you to other damages. Talk to a lawyer to make sure your claim includes everything you deserve.
How to Know Who’s Responsible for a Wrong-Way Crash
The other driver is usually at fault for a wrong-way accident. But there are exceptions. Sometimes, poor road signs or designs contribute to the crash.
More than one party could be partially at fault. Your lawyer will need to investigate exactly how the accident occurred. If the issue involves poor road design, a government entity could be partly to blame.
Most of the time, the other driver is at least partially at fault. They might try to blame poor road conditions, but the facts matter. Your lawyer will look to see if the road design was confusing or not.
How John Foy & Associates Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our lawyers know how difficult a wrong-way accident case can be. We’ll handle every detail of your claim so that you can focus on healing. Spend time with your family while we represent you.
Our team will help your case by:
- Investigating the wrong-way crash
- Identifying who was at fault
- Gathering evidence from the accident
- Calculating your damages
- Filing a strong insurance claim
- Handling insurance companies for you
Insurance companies care most about their money. The insurance adjuster will look for ways to pay you less. But our lawyers know how to respond.
We will work to negotiate a settlement offer that is fair to you. If the insurer doesn’t settle, we’re not afraid to take your case to court. Our number one goal is the fullest recovery possible for your costs.
Reach out today to discuss your options. You might be eligible for total compensation after your accident.
Call a Dunwoody Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer for Free to Learn More
If you or a loved one were victims of a wrong-way accident, you deserve to know your rights. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s carelessness. An experienced lawyer will fight for the recovery you deserve.
A strong personal injury claim should “make you whole” after the crash. The case should cover all of your costs. At John Foy & Associates, that’s our goal for each client. And we aren’t afraid to take your case as far as necessary.
We do not charge any fees unless we win your case. Plus, your legal consultation is 100% FREE. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to learn more today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form