A wrong-way driver is almost always hard to avoid and is sometimes deadly. A traumatic front-end impact can leave you or a close loved one with severe injuries, massive medical costs, and an inability to work.
When such an accident results from negligence, victims seek the help of a Philadelphia wrong-way driving accident lawyer. A lawyer pursues compensation for their client by holding insurance companies accountable for their policyholder’s negligence.
If a wrong-way driver turned your world upside down, you do not have to fight your case alone. A personal injury or wrongful death lawyer will work hard to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving Accidents
Wrong-way drivers are an increasing threat on America’s roadways.
Following basic traffic patterns is an essential part of driving. Drivers of all ages are expected to avoid traveling the wrong way on a Philadelphia street or Pennsylvania highway.
A malfunctioning navigational device, driver error, or pure recklessness can cause a driver to divert from their designated lane and into yours or to enter a highway from the wrong direction.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, critical factors in wrong-way driver crashes include:
- Alcohol-impaired driving
- Elderly drivers
- Drivers without passengers to help guide them.
According to the study, passengers are likely to alert a driver who is traveling in the wrong direction. Other dangerous factors include distracted or drowsy driving.
Alcohol-impaired driving is, however, the leading cause of most wrong-way driving accidents. The effects of alcohol on the body can gravely affect a driver in the following ways:
- Reduces vision
- Impacts coordination
- Affects reaction time.
While there are multiple ways alcohol affects one’s ability to drive, these three factors can contribute to a driver’s heading south in a northbound lane, west in an eastbound lane, or vice versa.
Wrong-way driving accidents have a high fatality rate due to the head-on collision that typically results. For those who survive a crash, the steady stream of medical procedures and expenses never stops.
If you suffered severe harm or lost a close loved one due to a wrong-way driving accident, help is available. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia offers free, no-obligation consultations for those harmed by the negligence of others.
Why Choose Us?
We manage the details of your civil case.
A sudden crash brings instant and ongoing life changes for accident victims. Choosing the right lawyer for your personal injury claim or lawsuit is vital for accountability and justice.
Severe and catastrophic injuries leave you with no time to learn Pennsylvania civil laws or to negotiate a possible settlement. Instead, life-altering injuries require a dedicated focus on rest, therapies, and other medical needs. You need a personal injury lawyer who focuses on car accidents.
Founded 50 years ago, The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia helps clients by advocating for a fair settlement for their accident damages. Our past successes have helped many clients rebuild their lives or obtain the quality care they need and deserve.
While we cannot predict the outcome of your case or how long it may take, we will apply the same dedicated work principles we use in all cases.
No one sees a wrong-way driver until it is too late. If you or a loved one suffered this type of tragic accident, get help from The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia today.
How We Help
At The Cochran Firm, we help Philadelphia victims of wrong-way drivers by managing the details of their claims or lawsuits. Our ability to review evidence and apply state civil laws to your case is invaluable.
We are tough negotiators, unafraid to take cases before a judge and jury. While aggressive with insurance companies, we are caring and compassionate with every client.
We help clients by:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reading police reports
- Reviewing accident scene photographs
- Contacting experts if necessary to assist with your case.
To win your case, we must prove negligence. A careful review of all evidence helps us build a case that identifies negligence and liability for your damages.
The legal process can confuse those unfamiliar with civil claims and lawsuits. Your attorney can describe the process, gather evidence, and stand firm with insurance companies. As personal injury attorneys, The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia offers these services and more. Let us help you by scheduling a free consultation today.
Your Wrong-Way Driving Accident Damages
Types of damages typically included in a civil claim or lawsuit
Victims of wrong-way drivers face various types of damages. Among the most common are:
- Medical costs: immediate and ongoing costs
- Lost wages: time missed from work due to recovery
- Loss of future earnings if unable to return to work
- Loss of companionship from a fatal accident
- Loss of inheritance for children of a deceased parent
- Loss of income from a financially supportive spouse.
Medical costs start once a victim arrives at a hospital or trauma center. For many accident victims, the costs continue through recovery . . . or forever. Victims with a catastrophic injury generally face a lifetime of medical expenses.
Some severe injuries prevent victims from returning to the job they held before the accident. Losing a career and income can devastate a victim and their family.
Your damages are likely significant and worthy of a fair settlement. An insurance company may offer you a settlement before you have a chance to secure an attorney. If they do, do not accept it. Instead, contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia.
What you fight for now matters. Insurance companies like to settle for low amounts, close claims quickly, and protect their best interests. Be proactive in protecting your best interests as a victim of negligence. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia can help you, but you must act quickly.
Why Time Matters in Wrong-Way Driving Accident Cases
The statute of limitations cannot be ignored.
The Pennsylvania statute of limitations is a state law limiting the time allowed for pursuing civil lawsuits. Victims who fail to file their lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires face little to no options for compensation. This is why victims of personal injury and wrongful death must file civil lawsuits within Pennsylvania’s two-year time limit.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations begins at the moment of injury or death -- it does not start when you decide to take legal action. Because of this, contacting an attorney is something you should not delay. For most accident victims, time passes in a blur. Medical procedures and medications can make victims uncertain about the day of the week or month, making it even more critical that you have a skilled attorney handling the legal process for you.
A wrong-way driving accident attorney from The Cochran Firm will ensure your lawsuit reaches the court promptly. They will protect your right to sue if negotiations for a settlement are unsuccessful or a trial is simply the best option.
If a careless driver caused your life-altering harm or loss, contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for help with your case. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can get to work on your behalf.
Wrong-Way Driving Accident: FAQs
A Philadelphia wrong-way driving accident lawyer answers frequently asked questions regarding the civil claim and lawsuit process:
Can I afford to hire a wrong-way driving accident attorney?
Yes. The Cochran Firm works on a contingency fee basis. They understand accident victims' financial hardships and, therefore, collect their fees upon completing your case. If, for some reason, they do not win your case, you owe no legal fees.
How much compensation is possible for my wrong-way driving accident damages?
The amount of compensation possible differs from case to case. While a successful claim is not promised, fighting for fair compensation is better than settling for less than you deserve.
Will my wrong-way driving accident case go to trial?
Many wrong-way driving accident cases are settled outside of court. However, if your case goes to trial, your attorney from The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has solid litigation experience and will prepare you for the process.
If my loved one dies from their wrong-way driver accident injuries, what are my options?
Pennsylvania law allows certain parties to pursue a wrongful death case in negligence cases. A Philadelphia wrongful death attorney can help you learn more about your legal options.
What if the wrong-way driver receives a ticket or is criminally charged? Can I still sue?
Yes. Accident victims may still pursue a civil case regardless of any other pending court action. Traffic or criminal court has no bearing on a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrong-way driving accidents change lives. Get the answers to your specific questions by contacting a wrong-way driving accident attorney today.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia
Meeting another vehicle head-on in your designated lane is horrifying. The effects of a wrong-way driving accident can last a lifetime.
Accountability is necessary to address your physical, emotional, psychological, and financial stress and pain. The impact on your quality of life demands justice.
The pain of your injuries or grief of your loss is enough to manage during this difficult time. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a nationally recognized history of helping victims of negligence. Let us put our experience to work for you. Call us now for a free consultation at (800) 969-4400. We eagerly await the opportunity to help you pursue justice for your wrong-way driving accident damages.
