Wrong way crashes are almost always serious, no matter where or when they happen. It’s not all that hard to see why: drivers aren’t expecting to see a driver heading toward them straight on, especially on Interstate 90. So, when these accidents happen, it’s likely to end up with serious, even fatal injuries.
This is exactly what happened recently in Spokane, according to a story from KREM. Washington State Patrol deputies responded to the accident scene near the Amazon Warehouse on I-90 around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. When they got there, they found two vehicles involved. A preliminary investigation showed that an 81-year-old woman was driving westbound–the wrong way–in the eastbound lane of I-90 when she collided head-on with another car with two occupants. The 81-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver and passenger in the other car were taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with injuries.
Drugs or alcohol didn’t factor into the crash.
What Damages Can You Get in a Wrong-Way Accident Claim?
For as severe as most wrong-way crashes are, your actual legal options don’t change. When you’re hurt (or lose a loved one) in one of these accidents, you still get to file a claim and recover certain damages.
Like any car accident, you can either file an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit to get these damages, but they’re going to be closely related to your losses. Usually, you can get the following damages in a claim:
- Medical expenses – This covers all medical bills from the accident, including future treatments you might need or permanent disability.
- Lost wages – This covers any wages you’ve already lost and income you’re likely to miss out on because of the accident.
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs relating to the physical and mental anguish you’ve experienced from the accident and your injuries. You can get separate damages for emotional distress.
- Reduced quality of life – This relates to the impact on your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies you once loved.
- Wrongful death expenses – This includes funeral and burial expenses, as well as financial support for the loss of a loved one’s companionship and what they materially brought to the family.
Whenever you’re in one of these car accidents, always focus on your safety and get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Report the accident to police and gather evidence like photos, videos, and contact details. These steps help protect your claim. From there, our Spokane car accident lawyers will help you through the claims process.
Contact CCD Law After a Spokane Wrong-Way Accident
Getting injured in a wrong-way car accident in Spokane can be overwhelming. But with the right legal team on your side, you can get a fair settlement. At CCD Law, we have the experience and resources to help you make your way through the legal process more smoothly by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Investigating the accident
- Helping you gather evidence and information
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit, if need be
Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting better.
