A woman died in Houston recently after she drove the wrong way and crashed head-on into another vehicle on Interstate 610 (I-610) North. A deputy with the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office saw the woman going the wrong way on Hardy Toll Road at about 2:30 a.m., but could not get her attention.
When the woman made it to I-610, she collided head-on with another man who was transported to a hospital in critical condition while the woman died at the scene. Investigators did not indicate whether the woman was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
How Wrong-Way Crash Cases Work
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong-way crashes only account for 2 percent of all motor vehicle accidents but they account for 10 percent of traffic fatalities. Wrong-way crashes often occur because people are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but other common reasons can include distracted driving, confusion with traffic signs, or entering highways from off-ramps.
A wrong-way collision often has the potential to cause severe injuries for all people involved in a crash, with many victims suffering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, or paralysis. It can take people many years or entire lifetimes to fully recover from these types of injuries.
Individuals injured in wrong-way accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for damages. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed, you could recover economic damages for actual losses such as medical bills, lost wages,funeral expenses, and property damage as well as noneconomic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of consortium.
The insurance company representing a negligent driver in a wrong-way driving case will not have much of a defense against people trying to obtain payments for their injuries, but that does not mean insurers will not try to do everything they can to limit what they pay. You should avoid speaking to any insurance company for another driver until you have legal counsel.
Many insurance companies will quickly offer people lump sum settlements to try and close cases quickly, but you need to know that what you are being offered may not cover all of your damages. This is why it is important to work with an attorney who can advocate on your behalf.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in a wrong-way crash in the greater Houston area, you deserve answers about what you can recover. Make sure to work with a Harris County car accident attorney at Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec so you can give yourself the best chance of holding the negligent party accountable.
Our firm knows how frightening these experiences can be for people and we work closely with all of your clients to help them get through all of the most challenging times. Call 281-643-2000 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://abc13.com/wrong-way-crash-woman-killed-in-610-fatal-hardy-toll-road-driver/12496591/
https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Documents/SIR1201.pdf
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