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Virginia wrong-way driver accident attorneys


Have you been injured by a wrong-way driver in Virginia?

Wrong-way accidents don’t happen often, but when they do, the results are usually devastating. Drivers face this terrifying scenario when they see headlights coming straight toward them with almost no time to react.

Unfortunately, wrong-way accidents are on the rise nationwide and in Virginia. The number of deaths caused by wrong-way drivers in Virginia increased by 10 percent, with an average of 11 people killed each year, from 2015 and 2018, according to CBS News.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Accident Attorneys, we understand what the victim of an auto accident is going through because we have been there ourselves. If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident with a wrong-way driver, we know how to get you a settlement that fully covers the costs of your injuries and helps you get your life back together. Call (804) 413-6777 to learn more from us in a free meeting.

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What is a wrong-way accident?

Wrong-way accidents happen when a vehicle is driving in the opposite direction of legal traffic.

Wrong-way accidents are most likely to result in fatalities than other types of accidents. In fact, a study in Virginia determined that the fatality rate for wrong-way driver accidents was 27 times higher than other types of accidents. This is understandable when you consider the impact of two vehicles traveling at average speed colliding head-on.

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What causes wrong-way accidents?

Drivers who cross over the median -- because of an accident or to pass another driver -- can cause serious harm to other motorists, but they are not classified as wrong-way drivers. Instead, the most common reasons for wrong-way accidents are listed below.

These specific issues cause most wrong-way accidents.

Driving under the influence

Alcohol and drugs are involved in about two-thirds of all wrong-way accidents. Driver error is by far the most common cause of wrong-way accidents, and mistakes are most likely to happen when the driver’s vison, judgment, and spatial awareness are impaired, typically by alcohol or controlled substances. For example, one mistake that frequently leads to wrong-way accidents is when a driver enters a freeway via an off-ramp, even when off-ramps are clearly marked with “Do Not Enter” signs.

Fatigued driving

Fatigued driving can have similar results as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, because fatigue severely limits a driver’s reaction time and ability to make good decisions.

Older drivers

When alcohol is not a factor in a wrong-way accidents, motorists over 70 make up a substantial portion of drivers in wrong-way accidents. Elderly drivers are more likely to become confused and make mistakes that can result in wrong-way accidents. Older drivers may suffer from declining vision, cognitive factors, and other physical and health issues that can lead to fatal errors.

Distracted driving

Drivers need to pay attention to the road at all times. Talking to friends, adjusting music or climate controls, eating or drinking, texting or talking on a phone, or doing any activity that distracts can have fateful consequences, such as causing a wrong-way accident.

Nighttime driving

Almost 80% of wrong-way accidents happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Transportation Safety Board. People don’t see as well at night, and this increases the chances that drivers will make a dangerous error, especially if they are impaired by fatigue or substance abuse.

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Holding wrong-way drivers accountable

Virginia’s fault-based justice system means that victims of wrong-way driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation from negligent drivers. Your personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident happened.

Discovering the contributing factors, such as driving under the influence or texting while driving, will strengthen your case. Then, your attorney will file a claim against the driver’s insurance company and work to get you a fair settlement.

Injuries caused by wrong-way drivers are often catastrophic. This includes fractures, contusions, bleeding, spinal cord damage, nerve damage, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because these type of accidents are much more likely to cause fatalities, your Virginia wrong-way driver accident attorney may even have to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed.

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Contact our car accident lawyers if you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver in Virginia

No one should have to suffer the devastating consequences of a Virginia wrong-way driver accident. That’s why at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we work smart to help make things right for you. As former U.S. Marines, Ken Gibson and John Singleton know how to develop an effective plan and execute it for you – to get you the best possible settlement. Call (804) 413-6777 to schedule your free consultation with us today. Our Zero Fee Guarantee means we only get paid when you get paid.

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Additional Information

Call our Eastern Virginia office today for a free consultation
at (804) 413-6777 or toll free (855) 781-6777.

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It costs you nothing for our firm to represent you. We only get paid when you do. Learn more

Community Service

Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening.

  • Safety Education
    GibsonSingleton launches “Texts=Wrecks” campaign to reduce the number of people injured or killed by distracted drivers.
  • Annual Coat Drive
    During the fall, our team works to distribute coats to people in need in our community.
  • Hands-on Service
    John and Ken join the Gloucester Point Rotary Club in cleaning up the community.
  • Supporting Local Schools
    The Gibson family participates in Gloucester’s Botetourt Elementary Shuffle fundraiser.