Wrong-way drivers are a serious problem on Florida highways

A wrong-way driver presents one of the most dangerous scenarios possible on a Florida highway. When two vehicles collide head-on at high speed, death or catastrophic injury is all too often the result. Tragically, there have been a number of fatal wrong-way crashes in South Florida recently. Between 2009 and 2013 there were 280 wrong-way collisions statewide, resulting in 75 fatalities and 400 injuries.

One such crash occurred on Dec.30, when a 23-year-old woman in a Ford pickup was going south in the northbound lanes of I-95 at around 1:00 a.m. She hit a Hyundai Sonata head-on. The collision killed the woman, as well as four people in the Hyundai, and sent two more people to the hospital.

Intoxication is a factor in about half of wrong-way highway collisions. According to a 2015 report, 45 percent of wrong-way drivers are intoxicated. The Florida Department of Transportation says the typical age for a wrong-way driver is between 16-years-old and 24, or over 65-years-old. The accidents occur most often late at night or in the early morning hours.

The loss of a loved one in a fatal accident can devastate a family. In addition to the emotional trauma and grief, family members can also face serious financial difficulties, especially if the victim was a provider. If the death was caused by another person’s negligence, the next of kin can bring a wrongful death action and recover damages under Florida law. Compensation can be recovered for loss of companionship and loss of support. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can provide advice and guidance about the legal rights of grieving family members.

Source: Miami Herald, “Road warriors look for a right way to prevent wrong-way wrecks,” Jan. 20, 2016