Car accidents are always scary, but imagine driving down the road only to realize that there is a vehicle driving toward you in the wrong direction. That situation could lead to a serious, even deadly head-on collision. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a wrong-way accident, you need to reach out to an experienced Miami car crash attorney who can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to helping our clients seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Earlier this month, a 98-year-old man killed two teenagers as he drove his RV the wrong way on a Florida road and caused a head-on collision with a pick up truck. The two teenagers, who were both wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident, were pronounced dead at the scene. The man was rushed to the hospital and was last reported to be in critical condition. He had a passenger in the RV, a 75-year-old woman, who also suffered serious injuries. At the time of the tragic accident, the two girls who were killed were on their way to a BBQ dinner.
Wrong-way driving takes place when a person drives against the direction of traffic. This is a serious mistake and can lead to serious, even fatal accidents. Wrong way driving most often results in head-on collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that wrong way drivers are involved in 1.5 percent of overall deadly crashes. In addition, NHTSA data reveal that, on average, about 350 people are killed each year nationwide in wrong-way freeway accidents. In Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation reports that 280 wrong-way accidents killed 75 victims on Florida highways between 2009 and 2013.
If you have lost a loved one in a wrong-way accident, you may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, the money can help you pay for expenses that often pile up after such an untimely death. A wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. In such situations, Florida law allows the estate of the deceased to file a civil claim in a Florida court. While a Florida court requires the personal representative of the estate to file the claim, the claim is filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and any surviving family members. Family members who may recover damages in a Florida wrongful death case include:
- The deceased person’s spouse, children, and parents; and
- Any blood relative or adoptive sibling who is “partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services.”
If your loved one was killed in an accident involving a wrong way driver, you need to contact a skilled Miami car accident attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we will analyze the facts of your case and help protect your rights at every step of the way. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. For a free case evaluation, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
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Accidents Caused by Animals on the Road in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, January 29, 2017