Hurt in a Wrong Way Crash in Austin?

Texas Car Accident Lawyer Represents Victims of Head On Collisions

Austin has many one-way streets and other roads that can create confusion for motorists. A car traveling in the wrong direction down a one-way street can cause an extremely dangerous situation for other motorists. Often, the result is a wrong way crash, which can happen for a number of reasons. Streets may be poorly designed or lack signs that warn drivers they are entering the wrong side of the road. Drunk and/or distracted drivers crash into other motorists after failing to notice wrong way signs. In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible for wrong way accidents. People injured in these crashes may pursue damages against other drivers, businesses or sometimes even the City of Austin.

For more than three decades, our law firm has fought to help Texans injured by the negligence of others. Austin car accident attorney Aaron Allison can investigate the cause of your accident so negligent parties can be held accountable. Depending on the circumstances of a head on collision on a one-way street, you may be able to secure the damages you need through an insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit.

What are the Most Common Causes of Wrong Way Crashes?

Data gathered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows Austin had 72 wrong way accidents between 2015 and 2016. There are multiple reasons why drivers may cause a head on collision. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Motorists who are not paying attention may accidently and unknowingly turn onto a one-way street. For example, someone who is texting may not notice wrong way signs.
• Drunk driving: Many wrong way collisions in Austin involve drunk drivers. This is especially true for crashes that occur in the downtown area and around West Campus. Crashes may also involve drunk drivers entering the wrong side of the freeway from an exit ramp. An analysis by the NTSB found drivers under the influence of alcohol cause one-third of wrong way crashes.
• Poor signage or visibility: Motorists can wind up on the wrong side of the road due to obstructed or confusing street signs. Some street signs are in areas with poor lighting or they might be blocked by objects such as tree limbs. To remedy this problem, TxDOT recently lowered 149 wrong way signs across Austin to make them more visible to drivers.
• Out-of-town drivers: Wrong way drivers are often unfamiliar with the area. They may be unaware Austin has many one-way streets. A visiting driver using a GPS or app for directions may follow their device rather than signs and enter the wrong side of the road. They may not realize they have made a mistake until they cause a car crash.

How Do You Establish Liability in a Wrong Way Crash?

There are multiple ways to establish liability after wrong way drivers cause motor vehicle accidents. Depending on the cause of the car crash, an attorney may have many options. Some of the most common ways to establish liability include:

• Video footage: Cameras may have recorded footage of your accident. TxDOT has many cameras along I-35, and highways 183, 290 and 1.  For example, a camera may show footage of a motorist entering an exit ramp and colliding with another vehicle. Cameras used by nearby businesses may also record footage of accidents. Witnesses using smartphones may have recorded what happened, which may also be useful for determining liability.
• Police reports: Police reports are crucial, especially when combined with other evidence. In the report, the officer may list contributory factors behind the crash. If an at-fault driver is arrested for a DWI, it would most likely be listed in the police report.
• Witness statements: Motor vehicle accidents may have several witnesses, especially when they occur in a downtown area or on campus. Police may ask witnesses to make statements describing what happened, which can be helpful in determining the events leading up to the crash.
• Prior complaints: City of Austin officials may have received multiple complaints regarding dangerous roads over a long period of time. For example, complaints may mention that wrong way signs are not visible. There may also be a history of wrong way accidents on these roads. If the city was aware of these issues but took no action to make corrections, then it might be liable.

Every crash is different, so your attorney may use many different types of evidence to establish liability after an accident.

Hit by a Wrong Way Driver in Austin? Call Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Depending on the circumstances, pursuing a claim for car accident damages can be complex. For example, if the City of Austin or a construction company is to blame for the crash, then your claim may be more difficult. These types of cases usually require qualified legal representation. Our firm has extensive experience holding negligent motorists and other parties accountable for causing car crashes in Austin.

Texas car accident attorney Aaron Allison uses experience and passion to help those who sustain injuries or lose a loved one due to wrong way drivers. In a free initial consultation, he can help you determine who may be liable for your accident and whether you have a case for pursuing damages. You may contact Aaron Allison by filling out our online form or by calling 512-474-8346.