RSSWrong-Way Accident Leaves One Orlando Area Man Dead
Memorial Day weekend is always a dangerous time for Orlando motor vehicle accidents, and this year was no exception. A pastor from central Florida was killed in an early morning crash that investigators believe was the result of a wrong way collision. The suspected driver is in the hospital and being treated for severe injuries, making it difficult for the investigation to move forward.
According to the police report, the accident happened in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 4 between Kaley and Gore streets. At around 3:00 am, two cars were involved in what is being labeled a possible head-on/wrong-way accident. One of the drivers was a 52-year-old retired pastor, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, whose name and age have not been released, was transported to ORMC with life-threatening injuries. It is unknown which driver was driving the wrong way.
As is made clear in the case at hand, wrong-way accidents are often fatal. Although wrong-way accidents are uncommon – accounting for only 3% of all motor vehicle accidents – they are the leading type of motor vehicle accident to result in a fatality. In fact, according to Federal Highway Administration (FHA) statistics, wrong-way accidents cause between 300 and 400 fatalities each year. The reason for this high fatality rate is that, more often than not, wrong-way accidents involve head-on collisions. As a result, the fatality rate for wrong-way accidents is between 12 and 27% higher than all types of automobile accidents, thus making them among the most dangerous.
So what causes wrong-way accidents? The most common causes include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while distracted
- Being unfamiliar with the road
- Poorly marked ramps or placed signs
- Poor ramp design
- Lack of signs or visibility
- Driving while tired
Of all these reasons, the most common cause is intoxication, with between 50 and 70% of all wrong-way accidents involving an intoxicated driver and happening on the weekends and between midnight and 3:00 am.
Regardless of the cause, if you or a loved one are the victim of an Orlando wrong-way accident, you have the right to be compensated. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. and schedule your free initial consultation today.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.