A mother and child were tragically killed after a wrong way accident closed a portion of I-55 in North Mississippi. The Desoto County Sheriff’s Department reports that a SUV carrying a mother and child from Arkansas suddenly headed the wrong way near Coldwater Bridge. It collided with a UPS truck head on. Both vehicles quickly caught fire. The mother and child perished in the accident and the UPS driver sustained minor injuries. The interstate was closed for three hours as traffic was diverted around the flaming vehicles. Police are still investigating the crash.
Wrong Way Accidents are Rare, But Often Deadly
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong way accidents are less common than many other types of accidents, but when they do occur, fatal or serious injuries are highly likely. The vast majority of wrong way accidents result in head on collisions, which have the highest percentage of fatalities.
One of the most common causes of wrong way accidents is alcohol or drug impairment. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause drivers to become confused and disoriented, which can result in crossing over the center line or entering the roadway going in the wrong direction. Police and automobile accident attorneys will generally investigate the potential for drug or alcohol use in any wrong way accident.
Another growing cause of wrong way accidents is distraction. Distracted drivers may cross into the other roadway when they are looking down at their phone or engaging in another distracting behavior. Researchers currently believe the incidence of wrong way crashes is on the rise and the increase in driver distraction is likely part of this unfortunate trend.
Other negligent factors leading to wrong way accidents include poor lighting or highway entrance ramps that are not well marked, allowing drivers to enter the road traveling in the wrong direction. Road construction has been known to cause wrong way accidents when it interferes with the flow of traffic and unsuspecting drivers inadvertently enter the wrong lane. At times, drivers visiting from out of state may become disoriented or focus on their GPS to the point of not noticing they have entered a roadway the wrong way.
Wrong Way Accident Victims Will Require Considerable Compensation
Most wrong way crashes will cause serious and considerable injuries due to their head on nature. When two vehicles collided head on, it is the force equivalent of crashing into a brick wall. This intense and sudden stopping of motion can result in serious head injuries, neck injuries, broken limbs, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, and more.
If you have been injured in a wrong way accident, consult with an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more stemming from the accident.
Barrett Law PLLC: A Mississippi Automobile Accident Law Firm of Distinction
Wrong way accidents often result in death and serious injuries. If you have been injured in an automobile accident due to a wrong way driver or a driver behaving in any other negligent manner, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC. Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years. Allow our zealous attorney team to fight for your full recovery following any traffic accident. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.