Raleigh Wrong-Way Driver Accident Lawyer
A vehicle traveling in the wrong direction can cause catastrophic harm to the occupants of other vehicles, particularly if a collision occurs at high speed. If you were involved in a crash with a wrong-way driver, you may be struggling with severe physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma. You may also be entitled to compensation for these losses.
At Hardison & Cochran, we’ve been serving North Carolina’s injured for over 40 years and have recovered millions for our deserving clients. Contact our office right away to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a wrong-way driver accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC, and learn more about how we can support you.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driver Crashes in Raleigh
Wrong-way crashes typically happen when a driver enters a road, ramp, or divided highway from the wrong direction. These collisions present unique dangers because they can leave everyone very little time to react before a head-on impact.
Some factors that can lead to wrong-way crashes include the following:
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Confusion at highway entrance and exit ramps
- Poor visibility at night or during bad weather
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a GPS
- Unfamiliarity with Raleigh roads or highway layouts
- Missing, blocked, faded, or poorly placed traffic signs
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Elderly drivers becoming disoriented
- Medical emergencies that affect a driver’s awareness
- Construction zones with unclear lane shifts or detours
- Drivers making illegal U-turns or turning onto one-way roads
- Poor road design that makes ramps or lanes confusing
Where Wrong-Way Accidents Happen on Raleigh Roads and Highways
Anyplace where traffic flows in opposite directions, or drivers have to make quick decisions at intersections, ramps, or divided roads, can increase the likelihood of a wrong-way accident. Entrance and exit ramps on major Raleigh highways, such as I-40, I-440, I-540, U.S. 1, and U.S. 64, pose a heightened risk. However, one-way streets, busy intersections, and construction zones with altered traffic flow also make drivers more likely to go the wrong way by accident.
Who Is Liable After a Wrong-Way Crash in North Carolina?
Depending on why the other driver was going the wrong way and whether another party contributed to the collision in some way, multiple parties may be liable for a Raleigh wrong-way accident. They may include the following:
- The wrong-way driver, if they were drunk, distracted, fatigued, speeding, or ignored traffic signs
- A vehicle owner, if they allowed an unsafe or unlicensed driver to use their vehicle
- An employer, if the wrong-way driver was working at the time of the crash
- A bar or restaurant, if it served alcohol to an underage or visibly intoxicated driver
- A government agency or contractor, if poor signage, road design, or construction hazards contributed to the crash
When you meet with our wrong-way crash lawyers, we can assess the details of your case and determine who could bear liability for it.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Wrong-Way Accident
The harm that can result from a wrong-way crash can be devastating. The force involved in these accidents can cause severe, sometimes permanent harm and lead to medical expenses that may grow quickly out of control and continue to accumulate indefinitely.
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Follow-up treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the crash
A Raleigh wrong-way driver accident attorney from Hardison & Cochran can review your losses and pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault driver and other liable parties.
How a Raleigh Wrong-Way Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
A wrong-way crash can leave you dealing with medical care, missed work, pressure from insurance companies, and a lot of questions about what to do next. Trying to manage all this on your own can be exhausting and overwhelming.
Turn to a wrong-way crash lawyer in Raleigh for help. Hardison & Cochran can take on the legal work while you focus on your recovery. We’ll review the crash report and work to gather witness statements, preserve camera footage, evaluate the conditions that may have led to the crash, and collaborate with accident reconstruction professionals to prepare a strong personal injury claim on your behalf.
We understand how much financial stress you may be experiencing in the aftermath of a crash. That’s why Hardison & Cochran will work to identify all potential sources of compensation for your losses. In addition to the wrong-way driver’s own insurance, these may include their employer’s coverage and policies that cover other liable parties.
If the insurance companies try to minimize your losses or blame you for the crash, we can be ready to fight back. Our lawyers can prepare a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses and pursue every last dollar you’re owed, even if that requires filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court.
Talk to Hardison & Cochran About Your Raleigh Wrong-Way Crash
Were you hurt in an accident that happened because another driver was traveling in the improper direction? Then you need a wrong-way driving accident attorney near Raleigh who has the experience and resources necessary to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For over four decades, Hardison & Cochran has represented injured residents of Raleigh and other North Carolina communities who have suffered harm through no fault of their own. We’ve grown into a firm with six offices across the state and built a team that’s dedicated to meeting your needs. Our firm has achieved numerous six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for car accident victims. As one client wrote of their experience with us:
“After my very first car accident, I was piled with the most stress I have ever felt … I found out about Hardison & Cochran, and now after 8 months, I feel extremely relieved I chose this law firm to handle the legal mess for me. Attorney Rick Scott and Amber were so respectful towards my time, and they were so kind and helpful every single time we talked that I felt better and better through this crazy process. I recommend this law firm to anyone looking to relieve some of the accident and legal stress.”
– M. Khan
Don’t wait to get the legal support you need after an accident. Contact a wrong-way collision lawyer in North Carolina from Hardison & Cochran today. We can discuss your case at a free, fully confidential consultation, explain your legal options, and guide you through the steps we can take to seek the favorable outcome you deserve.