Wrong Way Drivers Attorneys in Scottsdale Advocating For the Rights of Injury Victims

If a wrong-way driver has injured you or a family member, you may feel unsure of what to do next. Wrong drivers often cause head-on collisions that can severely injure or kill other motorists. Head-on collisions caused by wrong-way drivers are common at night, leaving oncoming drivers little time to get out of the way of the approaching vehicle.

However, under Arizona law, accident victims have the legal right to pursue compensation for damages they incurred. In many instances, accident victims cannot work due to their injuries, which can quickly create a financial crisis for them and their families.

If a wrong-way driver has injured you, contact the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm of Scottsdale, AZ, to schedule a consultation to discuss your potential legal options.

Why Do Wrong Way Accidents Occur?

Although there are various reasons why drivers can end up traveling in the wrong direction, one of the most commonly cited factors is driving under the influence. If the incident occurs at night, often the interstate or roadway lights blind a wrong-way driver under the influence can quickly become confused. DUI individuals can also misread road signs, swerve into the wrong lane, and travel against traffic.

Some other common reasons why wrong-way accidents occur include:

Poor visibility: Adverse weather conditions such as fog and heavy rain can cause a driver to become confused traveling in the wrong direction as they easily mistake an onramp for an offramp and vice versa.
Distracted driving: Often, drivers are distracted by their cell phones, GPS, or in-car entertainment systems. Many drivers veer into lanes meant for oncoming traffic without realizing it.
River fatigue: When a driver is fatigued, they may easily exit or enter a roadway traveling in the wrong direction, leading to severe accidents.
Drivers unfamiliar with the area: Drivers who may be new to the area often have difficulty orienting themselves to the roadway they should be on. One of the most common incidents related to a wrong-way driver is when they turn in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Wrong-way driving cases also occur where there is an interchange between on and off-ramps close to one another.
Poorly marked ramps: Poorly marked ramps often lead to driver confusion and a high chance they will enter or exit incorrectly. If this occurs at night when traffic is considerably lighter, the driver may only realize their mistake once it is too late.

What Type of Injuries Are Sustained From Wrong Way Driving Accidents?

Wrong-way driving accidents can be particularly devastating to an accident victim, resulting in severe injuries and even death. Wrong-way driving accidents that occur on interstates where vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed are dangerous and often lead to head-on collisions.

Accident victims involved in wrong-way collisions may suffer severe or catastrophic life-changing injuries. Some of the most commonly reported injuries sustained in wrong-way crashes include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Severe head injuries (concussions)
Spinal cord injuries that frequently result in paralysis.
Whiplash
Broken bones
Internal injuries and bleeding.

In cases where the accident victim has suffered spinal cord injuries, they may require skilled nursing care for the rest of their lives, quickly becoming cost-prohibitive for their families.
Other victims who have sustained injuries from a wrong-way crash may require extensive physical therapy, rehabilitation, or multiple surgeries.

If you have been injured or have tragically lost a family member due to a wrong-way accident, contact the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm and ask to schedule a consultation to learn what legal options may be available.

Can I Recover Compensation After Being Injured by a Wrong-Way Driver?

Even a minor wrong-way accident can result in the victim sustaining serious injuries and dealing with a stack of medical bills. Even if an injury victim has health insurance coverage, they may still find it challenging to pay for their medical care.

However, Arizona law allows victims to try and recover economic and non-economic damages to cover their costs and receive compensation for emotional distress.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are granted to help accident victims pay out-of-pocket costs they have incurred after being injured in an accident. Some of the most frequently awarded economic damages in Arizona include:

Past and current medical bills
Lost wages
Loss of earning potential
Property damage

Additionally, if the injury you sustained requires modifications to your home or vehicle, a skilled personal injury attorney like those of the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm can advocate to help you obtain a settlement that will meet your future needs.

Non Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are designed to compensate victims for intangible losses they suffered due to injuries. It should be noted that non-economic damages are subjective and based on the facts of the case. However, some of the most commonly awarded non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional trauma
Loss of consortium
Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Finally, for families who have lost a loved one in a wrong-way crash may also be able to recover financial compensation for damages that include:

Reasonable cost for funeral and burial expenses
Lost income
Reimbursement for medical bills incurred by the deceased due to the fatal accident.
Emotional distress

If you still have questions about the financial compensation, you may be able to recover after being injured by a wrong-way driver, contact the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm, and ask to schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.

What Makes Your Legal Team the Best Choice For My Legal Needs?

The Wilson Ortiz Law Firm of Scottsdale, AZ, is dedicated to helping injury victims obtain the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. Wrong-way drivers are often intoxicated or under the influence of drugs when the accident occurs.

Our team of attorneys is passionately committed to holding liable parties accountable for their negligent actions. Often, accident victims initially do not want to file a lawsuit. However, it quickly becomes clear that the only way to hold the wrong-way driver accountable is to file a claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Wilson Ortiz Law Firm at 623-294-1442 and ask to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and how we may be able to help.