When you’re driving along Interstate 90, you are probably pretty aware of the movements of other drivers that are in the same lane as you. But unfortunately, when someone is in the wrong lane and heads toward you, it’s very difficult to react in time, or in a way that keeps you from being in a head-on collision.
One such accident left a man dead in Spokane Valley on Saturday, September 28, 2024, according to a story from Big Country News. Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to the call of an accident around 4:45 a.m. on I-90 about nine miles to the west of Sprague. WSP said that an 89-year-old man was driving a pickup truck the wrong-way in the westbound lane when he crashed head-on with a 61-year-old man in a Toyota Corolla. The man driving the Corolla was pronounced dead at the scene by WSP investigators.
While drugs and alcohol weren’t factors, the man driving the pickup truck is expected to be charged. He was transported to East Adams Rural Hospital with injuries.
What Should You Do After a Wrong-Way Accident or Head-on Collision?
A wrong-way accident like the one in the story above can obviously lead to pretty serious head-on collisions, leaving you with serious injuries and damage to deal with. Even though these accidents are more dangerous, the steps you need to take afterward are similar to any other car accident to protect your health and legal rights:
- Get help – Right after the crash, focus on getting to a safe place and seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 for an ambulance. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s important to see a doctor. Not seeking treatment could give insurance companies a reason to question your injuries.
- Call the police – Depending on where the accident happens, you should also call the local police, usually the WSP or county sheriff’s office. In Washington, it’s a legal requirement to report the accident. They’ll create an accident report, which includes key details like the other driver’s insurance information.
- Gather other evidence and information – After making sure you’re safe, contacting authorities, and getting medical help, start collecting details about the accident. Take pictures or videos of the damage and any injuries. Get the other driver’s name and contact information. If you’re unable to do this, you can ask the police for help.
By following these steps, you’ll strengthen your claim and make it harder for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to argue against your case. But again, everything is going to be made more difficult if you’re more seriously injured. And as you probably can tell, that’s pretty common in head-on collisions. That’s when you can lean on the guidance and support of our car accident lawyers at CCD Law.
Spokane Car Accident Victims Can Turn to CCD Law
Injuries from a wrong-way accident or a head-on collision can lead to medical bills and lost wages, making recovery stressful. While legal help isn’t required in Washington, having our team of Spokane car accident lawyers at CCD Law on your side significantly boosts your chances of getting a fair result. We can hep you by:
- Gathering evidence
- Figuring out liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if needed
If you’ve been hurt in a wrong-way accident in Spokane or the nearby area, CCD Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
