String of Wrong-Way Crashes in Phoenix Area Leave Seven Dead

Phoenix, AZ- Drivers make a number of errors, but one of the most deadly errors a driver can make is to go the wrong way. Over the past week in the Phoenix area, in the three separate incidents, several people have been killed after their vehicles were struck by a driver traveling the wrong way and straight into their path.
The latest wrong-way accident occurred this early Sunday when a pickup truck a car crashed, leaving two people dead and two in serious condition, according to Fox News. Prior to the crash, 911 received calls about the wrong-way driver on Loop 202 San Tan Freeway. Police made an attempt to reach the truck but it slammed head-on into the passenger car killing both the passenger and driver.
Sunday’s accident took place around 1:30 a.m., a time when the majority of wrong-way accidents occur, and at a time when there are more drunken drivers on the road. Police suspect that this was a drunken or drugged driving accident but haven’t received the results of the blood test.
Before that, on Friday, a group of tourists from Indonesia were struck head-on on Interstate 17. Three people were killed and three people, including a 9 year-old boy, were seriously injured.
The wrong-way driver survived but suffered serious injuries. Police also suspect intoxication in this accident as well, but that hasn’t yet been confirmed, Fox News reported.
On Monday of last week a Mesa police officer was killed when his vehicle collided with a SUV on an interstate ramp. Fox News reported that the wrong-way driver in this accident was intoxicated and had traveled 35 miles on interstates in the region before colliding with the off-duty police officer’s vehicle.
Even though wrong-way driving is a daily occurrence, most drivers soon realize their error and turn around and begin traveling in the right direction. But when a driver fails to realize their error, any accidents that result are more likely to be deadly.
As with any car accident, wrong way crashes have a numerous causes, but the NTSB believes the majority of wrong-way crashes are caused by intoxicated drivers and occur late at night or early in the morning.
Inattention and confusion also contribute to a large number of wrong-ways crashes. Motorists may be unaware that they’ve entered the roadway in the wrong direction or cannot see traffic signs because of poor lighting.
Regardless of why a wrong-way accident occurred, a Phoenix accident lawyer will hold that negligent driver accountable if they injure or kill another motorist. A negligent driver will have to cover their victim’s medical bills, any wages a victim loses as a result of  temporary or permanent disability and damages for the victim’s emotional distress.
Phoenix accident attorneys will work closely with a car or truck victim so they can build a strong personal injury or wrongful death claim that will result in a fair and appropriate settlement amount. Accident victims don’t have to retain a personal injury attorney but securing a fair settlement often depends on having skilled legal counsel.