What Makes These Collisions So Hard to Survive?
Wrong-way accidents are among the most devastating crashes that happen on Maryland roads. These types of car accidents are often violent, sudden, and fatal. On high-speed roads, they can turn deadly in seconds, leaving families and communities broken.
Although they may not happen as often as rear-end accidents and other crashes, when they do, the consequences are devastating. Wrong-way crashes usually involve a head-on impact, giving drivers little to no time to react.
Earlier this month, a tragic wrong-way crash in Montgomery County resulted in the loss of not only one life, but two, highlighting just how dangerous these crashes can be.
A recent crash highlights how tragic wrong-way accidents can be
Tragedy struck in Montgomery County when two drivers were killed in a horrific wrong-way collision on Interstate 270. According to WMAR2 News, a 25-year-old woman was driving a Chevrolet Cruze southbound in the northbound lanes around 3 a.m. when she collided head-on with a Honda Accord driven by a 33-year-old man.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
While the investigation is ongoing, the crash fits a pattern seen in many fatal wrong-way crashes: overnight driving, high speeds, and a head-on impact that gives drivers almost no time to react or avoid a collision.
Negligence is a common factor
Wrong-way crashes don’t just happen more often at night; they tend to be especially deadly when they do. Several factors make these accidents so dangerous:
- Speeding: Wrong-way crashes typically occur on highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds. When two vehicles collide head-on, especially at high speeds, the combined force can be catastrophic. Seatbelts and airbags offer some protection, but in many cases, the impact is too great for the passengers inside.
- Nighttime conditions: A large percentage of wrong-way crashes happen late at night or in the early morning hours. Low visibility, fatigue, and impaired driving all contribute to the issue. When it's dark out, most drivers aren’t alert, and traffic is light enough for a wrong-way driver to go unnoticed until it’s too late.
- Impaired or confused drivers: Alcohol and drug use are leading factors in wrong-way accidents. When someone’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination are impaired, it becomes easier to make dangerous mistakes, such as driving on the highway in the wrong direction. Driving impaired at night only makes things worse, since visibility is low and your senses aren’t sharp.
But it’s not just impairment that causes confusion behind the wheel. Sometimes, drivers become confused because of poorly marked ramps, unclear signs, or complex road layouts, especially in areas with ongoing construction or changes in traffic patterns. Even a brief distraction, such as looking at a phone or GPS, can lead to a split-second decision that sends a driver in the wrong direction.
What families can do after a fatal wrong-way crash
Losing someone in a wrong-way accident is devastating, and the days that follow can feel like a blur. While no amount of action can undo the loss, there are important steps that families can take to protect their rights and start the process of seeking justice.
Start by requesting the crash report and saving any documents or photos related to the accident. If available, gather witness names, insurance information, and communication from authorities or insurance companies. Then, contact a wrongful death attorney who can begin an investigation, preserve critical evidence, and help determine whether alcohol, negligence, or another factor played a role.
These cases can involve complex insurance questions, and in some instances, liability may extend to bars, construction contractors, or government entities. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Goldberg Finnegan is Here To Help
Fatal car accidents leave behind more than just wreckage; they leave grieving families searching for answers. At Goldberg Finnegan, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be. Our Silver Spring car accident lawyers are here to help you hold negligent parties accountable, pursue the compensation you deserve, and guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and clarity.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a Maryland car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and find a path forward.
"I am so grateful to this law firm for their outstanding support during a very difficult time. A close family member was involved in a severe accident, and Curtis Cannon and his staff were incredibly kind, compassionate, and highly competent. They always responded quickly to our questions and kept us well-informed throughout the process, which was a huge relief. Knowing that such a dedicated team was handling the case lifted a tremendous weight off our shoulders. Thanks to their expertise and hard work, the case was successfully settled. I wholeheartedly recommend this firm to anyone needing trustworthy and skilled legal assistance." - Deb, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐