A wrong-way crash happens fast and without warning. They often involve high-speed driving that leads to a direct impact. Your injuries may be severe and require a long recovery time. The collision may be so severe that you don’t even remember what happened.
Now is the time to protect your rights and recover your losses. It’s time to contact Fieger Law. Our legal team can investigate the crash, identify what caused it, and build a case to hold the at-fault party accountable. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We provide the legal support you need to get the best outcome possible for your car accident claim.
Wrong-Way Collision Cases Our Law Firm Takes On
A wrong-way collision happens when a driver travels in the opposite direction of traffic and strikes you head-on or at an angle. Wrong-way car crashes are most common on divided highways, one-way streets, and ramps where the flow of traffic is clearly marked. Despite the signs and road design that deter wrong-way driving, some drivers go the wrong way and cause serious harm to others.
Fieger Law takes on complex wrong-way collision cases, including:
- Highway entrance/exit ramp confusion
- Impaired driving incidents
- Poor road signage or visibility
- Distracted driving cases
- Elderly or confused driver situations
Each case we handle involves a different set of circumstances. Some involve a single vehicle entering the road incorrectly. Others involve multiple drivers, low visibility, or unclear signage. We’ve handled a range of wrong-way crash scenarios, from highway impacts to local street confusion, across Michigan. Let us help you make sense of what happened so that you can file your car accident claim with confidence.
Michigan Laws Regarding Wrong-Way Driving
Drivers in Michigan must follow directional signs and lane markings that control the flow of traffic. Directional travel is especially regulated on highways, entrance ramps, one-way streets, and divided roadways. Entering a road in the wrong direction violates basic traffic rules and creates a serious risk of collision.
Under Michigan MCL 257.634, drivers are prohibited from moving left of center on divided highways, controlled-access roads, and streets with posted directional signs. Violating this law may result in civil penalties and can serve as clear evidence of negligence if a crash occurs. Law enforcement may also cite additional violations, such as failure to obey traffic control devices under Michigan MCL 257.611.
Fault and liability in a wrong-way collision depend on whether the driver ignored signs, entered the wrong ramp, or failed to follow traffic flow. Violating state traffic laws can support a claim of negligence. In civil cases, violations will establish liability for your injuries or damages caused by the driver’s negligence or reckless driving.
Common Injuries in Wrong-Way Collisions
Wrong-way collisions result in severe injuries due to the nature of the impact. Head-on crashes at high speeds leave you little time to react, and the force can be devastating. If you were hit by a driver going the wrong way, your injuries may be more complex than in other types of accidents.
Here are some of the most common injuries from wrong-way collisions:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Multiple bone fractures
- Chest and abdominal trauma
- Facial injuries and lacerations
Injuries from wrong-way crashes can lead to long recovery times. Some may cause permanent limitations or require ongoing care. We evaluate the immediate harm and how your condition affects your daily life, mobility, and ability to work.
Determining Liability in Wrong-Way Collision Cases
Proving who’s at fault in a wrong-way collision starts with gathering clear evidence. Our lawyers are skilled at collecting photos, camera footage, medical records, and physical damage to establish how the crash occurred. Signage and road markings can also confirm that the driver entered the road the wrong way.
Police reports and witness statements outline key details. Officers document where each vehicle was found, whether the driver was impaired, and if traffic laws were violated. Witnesses may confirm which direction the wrong-way vehicle came from or whether visibility was limited by signage or road layout.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system under Michigan MCL 600.2959. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you may recover damages from the car accident. Fault may be shared if poor signage, confusing ramps, or poor lighting contributed to the crash. In those cases, additional parties, such as the city municipality, may be liable for your damages.
Insurance Considerations for Michigan Victims
Michigan’s no-fault insurance law, MCL 500.3101, requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you’re injured in a wrong-way collision, your insurance pays for medical care, lost wages, and support with daily needs, regardless of who caused the crash.
No-fault coverage does have limits. For severe or catastrophic injuries, policy limits may not cover long-term medical treatment or permanent disability. Some drivers choose capped medical coverage, which may leave large bills unpaid after surgery, hospitalization, or extended care.
If your injury qualifies as a serious impairment of body function, you may pursue a third-party claim for damages beyond PIP. The claim may include pain and suffering, future lost wages, and long-term care.
Why Choose Fieger Law for Your Wrong-Way Collision Case
Wrong-way collisions involve severe injuries, disputes over what happened, and high-dollar claims. You need a law firm that knows how to handle the legal and investigative challenges that come with these cases. Fieger Law has represented victims in serious crashes across Michigan. We hold dangerous drivers accountable for your losses.
Here’s why car accident victims choose our personal injury law firm:
- Experience handling complex, high-impact collisions
- Past results in multi-million dollar crash claims
- Deep understanding of Michigan traffic laws and statutes
- Access to reputable medical and accident experts
- Genuine concern and advocacy for our clients
Wrong-way crashes are rarely simple. The damage is often severe, and the legal path can involve multiple parties, insurance issues, and conflicting reports. We break the case down, build the evidence, and push toward a resolution that reflects what you’ve been through.
Steps to Take After a Wrong-Way Collision
After a wrong-way crash, you may feel overwhelmed, disoriented, or unsure of what to do next. The scene may be chaotic, and the injuries may be serious. However, what you do in the first few hours matters. The steps below will help protect your health and your legal case from the start:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Get medical attention right away.
- Take photos of the scene and vehicles.
- Collect contact information from all drivers and witnesses.
- Do not speak to any insurance adjuster alone.
- Contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
When you take the right steps, our law firm can help you establish your car accident claim. Quick medical treatment creates a clear record of your injuries. Photos and witness details preserve the facts. Speaking to our law firm early keeps you from making mistakes that could hurt your claim later. The right steps now make the legal process smoother later.
Contact Fieger Law
If you were hit by a wrong-way driver, Fieger Law can help you take the next step. We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and give you a clear path forward. There’s no cost to speak with us. You’ll get real answers based on facts and experience, not vague promises or pressure.
Get a free case evaluation from a wrong-way collision lawyer in Michigan when you fill out our online form or call us today.
