Devastation Caused by Wrong-Way Crashes

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Devastation Caused by Wrong-Way Crashes

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

It is relatively rare for drivers to travel the wrong way down a busy highway, though it does happen. When this occurs, the results can be tragic, as head-on collisions often occur. These are some of the most dangerous collisions possible, especially when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds, and they often result in serious injuries or fatalities. The Chicago car accident lawyers at Malman Law are ready to help anyone involved in a wrong-way crash or families who lost loved ones in this type of crash.

Fatal Crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway

Earlier this year, a wrong-way driver on the Dan Ryan Expressway resulted in the deaths of two people. Just before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021, an SUV started driving northbound in the southbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway. The SUV struck a semi-truck that was traveling in the proper direction, and this collision caused a chain reaction, and the SUV then collided with a sedan. 

The 53-year-old driver of the SUV died from his injuries at a nearby hospital. A 66-year-old passenger in the sedan also later died at the hospital due to her injuries. The sedan’s driver had non-life-threatening injuries, and the semi-truck driver was not injured. 

Following the chain reaction wrong-way crash, the authorities shut down the southbound side of the Expressway for eight hours to conduct their investigation. 

Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes

There are different factors that lead someone to drive the wrong way down a busy highway and cause a car accident. Some possible reasons include:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
2. Distracted driving when the driver did not pay attention to which way they were turning
3. Older drivers who might have problems with confusion, directions, or vision while behind the wheel
4. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area and might unknowingly make a wrong turn
5. Detours due to road construction that are not marked clearly enough
6. Issues with road design that make on-ramps and off-ramps confusing for drivers
7. Inadequate signs directing drivers or warning them that they are traveling the wrong way down a ramp or road

No matter what the cause might be, however, the results can always be just as devastating.

Handling Wrong-Way Crash Claims

There are two types of claims that might stem from wrong-way car accidents:

1. Personal injury – If someone suffers injuries in a wrong-way crash, they can file a claim to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the losses they incurred, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

1. Wrongful death – If someone loses a close family member in this type of crash, they might be eligible to file a claim for wrongful death to recover financially for certain losses of the family.

Speak with a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Malman Law take on wrong-way crash cases, as well as all types of car accident claims. Anyone needing assistance after a car crash can call (312) 629-0099 or contact the firm online to set up a free case evaluation.