Colorado Springs Wrong Way Car Crash Lawyers
Advocating for People Injured by Wrong Way Drivers in Colorado Springs
In 2021, we had the highest number of traffic deaths in Colorado for nearly 20 years, as reported on Fox 21 News. Statewide, 672 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. This is a two-year trend, as road fatalities increased in 2020, although traffic decreased by 12% with pandemic restrictions. El Paso County was the leading county in Colorado for traffic deaths in 2021.
What Makes Wrong Way Crashes So Devastating?
Wrong way collisions occur when a driver traveling in the opposite direction of traffic hits another vehicle, often head on. This can happen suddenly. Victims may have no time to react to avoid a crash or to brace for the impact. Wrong way crashes often occur at high speeds, which increases the force of impact and the severity of the injuries.
What Are Some Possible Causes of Wrong Way Collisions?
Drivers can go the wrong direction on a road for any number of reasons. Common contributing factors to wrong way crashes include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Older drivers
- Poorly designed ramps and highways
- Poor visibility
- Inadequate road signage
- Reckless driving that leads to loss of control of the vehicle
What Types of Injuries Do Wrong Way Crashes Cause?
Sideswipe or head-on wrong ways accidents can cause severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries, particularly when they occur at high speeds. Injuries frequently sustained in wrong way collisions include:
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe back and neck injuries
- Fractured bones
- Deep lacerations
- Disfiguring facial injuries
- Severe damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Who May Be Responsible for a Wrong Way Crash?
Driver negligence is the cause of most wrong way collisions. This includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving, speeding, and driving recklessly, or simply becoming confused and taking the wrong ramp to enter a freeway. Negligent drivers traveling in the wrong direction against the flow of traffic can be held responsible for resulting accidents and injuries.
If lack of signage, overgrown foliage hiding signage, or poor lighting contributed to a wrong-way accident, a local municipality or state government entity may be liable for the crash. Government entities responsible for maintaining the roads have a duty to ensure they are safe.
What Compensation is Available for a Serious Wrong Way Accident?
If you have been seriously injured in a wrong-way crash that was someone else’s fault, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses. In Colorado, injured car accident victims may pursue economic damages, such as:
- Past and future medical expense
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages or earnings
- Reduced future earning capacity
Injury victims may also pursue noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life. Noneconomic damages often total more than economic damages in a personal injury claim. Our Colorado Springs car accident attorney can evaluate the details of your accident to pursue all forms of compensation.
Why Choose Us?
After a serious wrong way collision, your best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve is to have an experienced Colorado Springs wrong way car accident lawyer by your side. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we have a history of success for our clients injured in motor vehicle accidents. As a former District Attorney for multiple Colorado counties, founding attorney Timothy Bussey understands the tactics used by the other side and knows how to counter them.
We offer a free initial consultation. Call us at (719) 475-2555 to find out what we can do for you.
