The Valley has seen a number of car accidents caused or contributed to by wrong way drivers in 2014. Many of these collisions have resulted in injuries to those involved and some even proved fatal, including a recent crash involving a law enforcement official.
With the large number of wrong-way accidents on the Phoenix highways and elsewhere across Arizona, officials are trying to devise ways to decrease these collisions from occurring by reducing the incident of wrong-way driving as much as possible. Current suggestions include redesigning entry and exit ramps from freeways and revamped street surface painting to indicate the approved direction of travel.
Hopefully changes will be implemented that help reduce the incident of wrong-way driving but until all crashes are eliminated, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are still at risk for suffering injuries or even death in the event of a crash. Those harmed in car accidents in Phoenix may be entitled to seek financial relief for their injuries including payment for medical and surgical expenses incurred, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who represents car accident victims may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash, including whether you are entitled to bring a claim for damages.
According to local police, a 33-year-old woman was driving the wrong way on the Loop 202 near Gilbert Road. The driver reportedly collided into an SUV, causing a crash that left both drivers in serious condition and in need of medical help.
The suspected wrong way driver was released from the hospital and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon among other charges. Officials are still trying to determine why she was operating in the wrong direction and whether any other factors played a role in the crash. The current condition of the driver of the SUV, described as an older woman, is not known.
When the driver of a car, truck, or van makes a mistake or acts in a negligent manner, the driver puts the safety of everyone else in the area, including those in other vehicles, at risk. The laws in Arizona hold negligent drivers responsible for the injuries that result from car accidents through the use of civil claims. The right to seek this relief belongs to a victim and is often available regardless of whether an at-fault driver received a traffic ticket in the crash.
If you have been injured in a car accident, the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by now to offer you a free case consultation. Call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 to learn about your legal options without any obligation on your part. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and if we represent you, we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
If an accident has injured you or claimed your loved one’s life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Teen Drowns in Glendale Apartment Pool, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 15, 2014.
Resource:
Wrong-way driver causes crash on Loop 202 at Gilbert, by Brian Pryor, Fox 10 Phoenix, published July 16, 2014.