Those who drive on the roadways have a duty to drive in a safe manner. This means they must follow all traffic laws and signs and look out for others. This includes traveling below the speed limit, yielding to pedestrians, stopping at stop signs and, of course, driving in the right direction.
It’s important to emphasize that last part, since there have been many instances lately of motorists driving in the wrong direction, particularly on freeways. In most of these cases, the driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol. In some cases, the driver is disoriented due to old age. Sometimes fatigue can even play a role.
No matter the reason, wrong way driving is serious, often causing serious accidents. These crashes tend to cause serious injuries and even wrongful death. Unfortunately, this was recently the case in Florida.
The fatal crash happened in the early morning hours of March 15 on I-95 in Miami-Dade County. Just past NW 62nd Street, a sedan crashed into a construction vehicle. It then hit a concrete wall in the southbound lanes.
The driver of the sedan was traveling in the wrong direction when the crash occurred, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The driver died at the accident scene. The driver of the construction vehicle was taken to Ryder Trauma Center, and is currently hospitalized in an unknown condition.
Four lanes were closed for several hours, causing major delays. It is unknown why the vehicle was traveling the wrong way.
Wrong Way Driving Statistics
According to the Federal Highway Administration, it is estimated that 300 to 400 people die in wrong way crashes every year. While this number reflects only 1 percent of the total number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents, the statistics are still concerning given that wrong way accidents tend to involve head-on collisions, which are often fatal.
Wrong way accidents are more common at night, when visibility is reduced. Fatigue and intoxication are also more likely to occur at night. Wrong way accidents tend to occur when a vehicle enters a freeway via an exit ramp, often because of poor signage.
Drivers over the age of 70 are often at fault for wrong way accidents. This is because of factors such as poor visibility and confusion, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Reach Out to Our Miami Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
When a loved one’s death is caused by another person’s reckless behavior—as seen here—it can be devastating for family members. While a wrongful death claim cannot bring back your loved one, it can hold the liable person responsible for his or her actions while helping you with finances. Your loved one’s unexpected death likely has caused damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and funeral and burial expenses.
If your loved one died in a car accident or other incident, contact the Miami wrongful death lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP. We can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. Call us at (305) 371-2692 or visit us online to schedule your consultation today.