Wrong way collisions pose severe dangers to vehicle drivers and occupants traveling in both directions and anyone unlucky enough to be on the road at the time. Wrong-way crashes often occur at high speeds and with limited reaction time, which creates the perfect scenario for devastating head-on collisions. Wrong way collisions also increase the risk of multiple-vehicle accidents and can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure. Because they are so abrupt and dangerous in nature, city planners typically take proactive measures that will prevent and mitigate the occurrence of wrong way accidents such as cement barriers between lanes.
What is a Wrong Way Collision?
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration defines wrong-way crashes as “…one in which a vehicle traveling in a direction opposing the legal flow of traffic on a high–speed divided highway or access ramp collides with a vehicle traveling on the same roadway in the proper direction.”
There are hundreds of wrong-way collisions every year. If you or a loved one was injured because of a driver driving on the wrong side of the road, contact a local car accident attorney for help. The injury lawyer can discuss your legal rights and help fight for a full and fair settlement for your losses.
Motorcycle Crash Wrong Way Leads to Fatality
As reported by kiro7.com, there was a fatal motorcycle crash wrong way, southbound I-5 at George Harper Road in Burlington in the early morning hours of February 13, 2025. The area was closed down for several hours as crews cleared and investigated the scene.
According to SMART Det. Sgt. Mike Lumpkin, a Washington State Patrol trooper attempted to stop the motorcyclist as the motorcycle was heading south on I-5, near Mount Vernon, but called off the chase when the motorcyclist sped off.
Later, the trooper spotted the driver again, and tried to stop them but this time, the motorcyclist started travelling north on I-5 in the southbound lanes. The trooper was forced to stop the chase when the driver went against traffic. The motorcyclist then hit a part of the Skagit River Bridge, and the rider was thrown off. Shortly after being thrown off the motorcycle, the motorcyclist was hit by an oncoming semi-truck. The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving a Car
If you were injured in an accident with a car while riding your motorcycle, it is vital to report the accident to the police, file a police report immediately and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the scene of the accident if you are able and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not speak to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a Mount Vernon motorcycle accident attorney.
Seek the Help of an Experienced Mount Vernon Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring, tireless and experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County, and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
