Las Vegas, NV (October 29th, 2024) – A vehicle passenger was killed in a recent wrong-way accident that occurred on I-11.
The 18-year-old was a passenger in the vehicle that was driving against the flow of traffic. Several people in the other vehicle suffered injuries in the wrong-way crash, as did the wrong-way driver. It was not disclosed what might have contributed to the driver entering the roadway, traveling against the flow of traffic. However, it was reported that the driver may face criminal charges.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents in Nevada
Wrong-way car accidents are a common, and frightening, reality, on Nevada roads. These types of collisions occur when a driver enters a highway or street going the wrong direction, often leading to serious or deadly consequences. Several factors can contribute to these types of collisions, including:
Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drug intoxication can significantly impair judgment and motor skills. Consequently, drivers may be at an increased risk of wrong-way entry, putting themselves and others at risk.
Distracted Driving
When distracted while behind the wheel, drivers may become confused or miss signs, which may make them more likely to enter the road going the wrong way. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, drinking and eating, and talking to passengers.
Fatigue
Drowsiness can have effects on motorists similar to those that result from drug use or alcohol consumption. As such, overly tired or fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired decision-making abilities, which may increase their chances of making errors behind the wheel.
Confusion or Disorientation
Road construction, poor signage, and unfamiliar roadways can confuse drivers. Due to confusion or disorientation, they may be more apt to enter roadways going the wrong direction.
Common Wrong-Way Accident Injuries
Often, wrong-way accidents involve head-on impact. Such collisions can be particularly dangerous, and lead to ranging injuries. Wrong-way accident injuries often have lasting and profound impacts on victims, and on their families. Some of the most common injuries resulting from wrong-way accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Due to blows suffered in the impact of wrong-way accidents, those involved in such wrecks commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries. Ranging in severity, TBIs may result in cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also common in wrong-way accidents. Vehicle occupants who suffer trauma to their spinal cords may experience paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with basic functions.
Internal Organ Damage
Contact with other passengers, vehicle interiors, or other objects during wrong-way collisions can damage internal organs. Such injuries can be life-threatening, and therefore, require immediate medical attention.
Fractures
Drivers and passengers involved in wrong-way crashes frequently suffer broken bones, often to the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Fractures can cause significant pain and may require time off work or on limited duty while recovering, as well as surgery or rehabilitation.
Death
Wrong-way accidents commonly lead to fatal injuries. Losing a loved one can have a devastating impact on families, causing grief and emotional pain, as well as financial strain.
Prevention Strategies
Various tools have been created and implemented to help mitigate the risks of wrong-way driving on Nevada roads, and elsewhere. Some of the most commonly used of these include:
Lighted Warning Systems
Lighted warning systems are common diversion tools. They use flashing lights and signs to alert drivers to oncoming traffic, thereby reducing the likelihood of wrong-way entries. Often, lighted warning systems are placed at highway entrances and exits, on bridges, and on overpasses.
In an effort to reduce such collisions, the Nevada Department of Transportation plans to install 12 wrong-way driver warning systems. The new systems will be set up along I-11 from the Spaghetti Bowl to Rainbow Boulevard.
Reflective Pavement Markers
Reflective pavement markers are embedded in the roadway to guide drivers and prevent them from entering the wrong way. Particularly in low-light conditions, They serve as visual clues to help reduce confusion and prevent Las Vegas motor vehicle accidents.
Automated Warning Systems
Automated warning systems use sensors and cameras to detect wrong-way drivers. When they identify vehicles traveling against the flow of traffic, they can trigger alerts to other drivers, such as audible warnings or flashing lights. By providing real-time alerts, these systems may give drivers time to react quickly and avoid collisions.
Prevention tools, such as these, can be effective, but they are not foolproof. Human error and driver behaviors remain common factors in wrong-way accidents, which is why victims may consider their options for holding at-fault drivers liable.
What Rights Do Victims Have?
If you have been injured, or a loved one’s been killed, in a wrong-way accident, you may have legal rights to seek compensation. Working with a personal injury attorney, you may establish negligence on the part of the at-fault party, and pursue damages for your economic and non-economic losses.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Nevada
In the event of fatal wrong-way accidents, the decedents’ families may seek compensatory damages. With the assistance of a wrongful death lawyer, they may hold at-fault parties liable for losses such as:
- Associated medical expenses prior to the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Through a wrongful death lawsuit, families of those killed by wrong-way drivers may pursue compensation for the losses incurred by their deceased loved ones, as well as themselves.
Losing a loved one in a Las Vegas wrong-way accident can leave families grieving, and facing unexpected financial burdens. Our wrongful death lawyer at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices has more than 30 years of experience helping accident victims and their families to recover the compensation they deserve. For a free initial consultation to discuss your case, contact us today at 702-388-2005.
