Omaha Wrong-Way Driver Accident Attorney

Helping You Put Your Life Back Together After an Omaha Wrong-Way Driver Accident

Accidents caused by wrong-way drivers are rare, but they’ve been occurring more often in recent years. And when they do take place, wrong-way accidents are extremely dangerous.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), fewer than three percent of automobile crashes involve a wrong-way driver. Sadly, wrong-way accidents are much more likely to result in death or severe injuries. In fact, one study found the fatality rate in wrong-way accidents on controlled-access highways was 27 times higher than it was for other types of accidents.

If you or a loved one was seriously harmed by a wrong-way driver in Omaha, call Bottlinger Law, L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234. We’ll file a claim to help you get the money you need to cover the cost of your injuries and other expenses caused by the accident.

What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents?

A wrong-way accident occurs when a driver enters a roadway traveling in the wrong direction. Accidents that result when a vehicle is forced over the center divider and turned in the wrong direction due to an accident or mechanical failure are not classified as wrong-way accidents.

A person who enters a roadway traveling in the wrong direction is likely to be confused, disoriented, or intoxicated. Factors that contribute to wrong-way accidents include:

• Driving under the influence. More than 60 percent of wrong-way accidents involve alcohol and/or drugs. And the people who cause these accidents are likely to be highly intoxicated. Over half of drivers going the wrong way when a collision occurs have a BAC higher than .15%.
• Older drivers above the age of 70 are involved in 15 percent of wrong-way accidents. These incidents are often related to hearing loss, vison loss, or cognitive decline.
• Time and day of the week. Seventy-eight percent of wrong-way accidents happen between 6pm and 6am when more drivers have been drinking and visibility is lower. These incidents are also much more likely to occur on weekends when people are more likely to be staying out late.
• Distracted driving can lead to fatal errors. Texting or talking on a handheld device is a major cause of distracted driving. Oher causes include eating, adjusting the radio, checking GPS, talking with other passengers, or reaching for an object inside the vehicle.
• Unfamiliarity with local roads can lead a driver to inadvertently make a wrong turn. A driver who isn’t acquainted with the traffic layout may make a mistake, especially when there are several one-way streets heading in opposite directions.
• Fatigued driving may cause drivers to pay less attention to the road, and this can often lead to catastrophic errors.

Injuries Caused by One-Way Accidents

When two cars crash into each while heading in opposite directions, the impact is considerable. People who are harmed in wrong-way accidents are likely to suffer severe injuries such as paralysis or loss of limb. In these cases, it will be much more difficult to earn a living and the victim will also require a lifetime of care.

Common injuries and other negative consequences caused by wrong-way accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputation
• Spinal cord injuries
• Severe fractions
• Internal organ damage
• Chronic pain
• Wrongful death

How Your Omaha Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one was harmed or killed in an accident caused by a wrong-way driver, your car accident attorney will investigate the accident to determine how it occurred. Nebraska is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you are found to be less than 50 percent responsible for and accident, you are eligible to collect damages from the negligent party’s insurance company.

If another driver was heading in the wrong way, they are likely to be held mostly or completely liable for the damages you suffered. The bigger challenge is often securing a settlement that covers the true cost of your injuries. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced vehicle accident lawyer on your side.

Home and vehicle modifications to provide wheelchair access may be necessary. Home nursing care may also be required. Your automobile accident attorney will investigate the accident to determine whose careless behavior is responsible for your injuries. Then then will calculate long-term cost of your medical care and file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company, which may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Home and car alterations
• Loss of earning potential
• Lost income
• Assisted living care
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Were You Harmed in an Accident?

At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., we don’t think you should have to pay for medical expenses caused by another person’s careless behavior.

We have a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska. Call (402) 505-8234 to learn more today. At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., you don’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.