Vigilant and cautious Minnesota drivers are aware of the possible dangers they face on the road. Whether it is distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, drowsy drivers – all are common causes for crashes.
Still, one thing drivers are rarely expecting is to see a vehicle coming straight at them, driving the wrong way on the road.
Although this is viewed as a rare occurrence, recent incidents indicate that it happens more often than people realize. Any accident can cause injuries and death, but a head-on collision is especially dangerous. It is important to be mindful of the possibility.
After this kind of accident happens, it is imperative to think about the available options to be covered for all that was lost.
State troopers discuss recent wrong-way accidents
Minnesota law enforcement has seen a spike in wrong-way drivers.
Recently, a vehicle was caught via traffic cameras driving on the interstate at a high rate of speed. There was a child in the vehicle.
The driver was later found to have suffered a medical issue and needed treatment. This is on the heels of two other notable wrong-way accidents in 2022 – one in February and one in October – that led to fatalities.
According to state troopers, a primary reason drivers go the wrong way on the road is because they are impaired. This is something to think about year-round, but it is particularly concerning during the holiday season when people will be traveling, going to parties and events and might choose to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs.
In other instances, it is simply a mistake. The driver might not realize they are heading in the wrong direction, have misread a sign or are older and confused. People who encounter a wrong-way driver are advised to simply pull over and contact the police. However, when the vehicle is moving at a high rate of speed, there is often little that can be done to avoid an accident.
Qualified help can be critical
Awareness can be helpful with road safety, but it might not be enough. If there is a wrong-way auto accident, there is a high probability of injuries. Some of the injuries can be catastrophic with permanent damage and fatalities.
In the aftermath of these types of accidents, people are frequently overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take. Medical costs, lost time at work, long-term injuries and the challenges after a fatality are issues that may come up. It is essential to have professional help to determine the cause, assess the damage and pursue compensation.
