The last few months have shown an outbreak of wrong-way driving on the expressways and interstates in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley cities. Some of these instances have been stopped by local police before a collision occurred, limiting the effects by these wrong-way drivers. Unfortunately, though, several of these incidents have ended only when a car accident occurred, leaving those involved injured, and in some cases, dead.
Officials in Phoenix have discussed these incidents and are trying to determine why so many have occurred and what can be done to prevent wrong-way driving in the future. Some have suggested new methods of painting the roads’ surfaces to alert drivers of the intended direction of traffic. Others have blamed the on- and off-ramps from the expressways as being poorly designed and leading to driver confusion. And in many cases, impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs seems to play a factor.
Many motorists are becoming the victim of wrong-way accidents in Phoenix every year. These people may be left with the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages to handle in addition to the pain and suffering they must endure while on a path towards recovery. These victims are not without relief, though, as the laws in Arizona grant the right to victims to bring a claim for their damages against those who caused a car accident. Through a civil claim, a victim can obtain a financial award to properly and adequately compensate the victims for all damages done. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a collision.
According to Phoenix police, a driver entered southbound I-17 while driving north, against the flow of traffic. Approximately 20 different phone calls reported the wrong-way driver to 911 and authorities raced to the area to attempt to bring the driver to a stop. The wrong-way driver reportedly evaded police and side-swiped a southbound vehicle, leaving two inside that vehicle in serious condition. The wrong-way car then allegedly continued northbound and collided head-on with a third vehicle, incapacitating both the wrong-way driver and the driver of the third car. At the time of the last update, both of those drivers were in critical condition.
Police investigated the incident for several hours while I-17 was closed in the area. At this point, they are working the investigation with the knowledge that not all victims may survive and that it may turn into a homicide case. Though no definitive determination has been made, police are considering impairment on behalf of the wrong-way driver as a possible factor in the accidents.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, or Scottsdale, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to provide you with a free case consultation. We make ourselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
If you have been hurt in a auto collision, do not continue to suffer without relief. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Driver Allegedly Fled Scene on Foot After Phoenix Expressway Crash, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 30, 2014.
Resource:
4 injured during wrong-way crash on I-17, Fox 10 News, published July 31, 2014.