Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer in Lubbock, TX
When headlights suddenly appear in your lane on Loop 289 or Interstate 27, there’s no time to think—only react. Wrong-way crashes in Lubbock, Texas, often result in extremely violent head-on collisions on Texas roads because the vehicles are traveling toward each other at high relative speeds.
I’m James Perrin, and as an experienced Lubbock wrong-way accident lawyer, I’ve spent over 20 years helping victims of these devastating crashes rebuild their lives. At Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer, I understand that you’re facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and an insurance system that wants to settle fast and cheap.
Wrong-way accidents are different from other crashes. The drivers who cause them are often severely intoxicated, driving without insurance, or have fled the scene entirely. Evidence vanishes within hours—surveillance footage gets overwritten, skid marks fade, and witnesses disappear.
As an experienced wrong-way accident attorney in Lubbock, Texas, that’s why I move immediately to preserve critical evidence, track down the responsible driver, and identify every source of compensation available, including dram shop claims against bars that overserved the driver.
When you work with me, you work directly with me—not a paralegal or junior associate. I handle every aspect of your case personally, from investigating the crash scene to confronting insurance companies that try to blame you for being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” My approach is simple: prepare every case for trial, which forces insurers to take your claim seriously and pay what you actually deserve.
Contact me today for a free consultation to discuss your wrong-way accident case.
What is a Wrong-Way Accident?
A wrong-way accident occurs when a vehicle travels against the legal flow of traffic, typically resulting in a head-on collision. Because both vehicles are moving toward each other at highway speeds, the combined force of impact creates catastrophic damage and often fatal injuries.
These crashes are especially common on major Lubbock highways like Loop 289, Interstate 27, and US-84, particularly at entrance and exit ramps where confused drivers may enter going the wrong direction. Although wrong-way collisions make up only a small share of all traffic accidents, they result in a disproportionate number of serious injuries and fatalities.
The violence of these crashes means victims often face traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. As your car accident attorney in Lubbock, my job is to investigate exactly how this happened and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes in Lubbock
Most wrong-way collisions are not random accidents—they result from specific types of negligence that can be proven and prosecuted. Understanding what caused your crash is essential for building a strong legal case.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Impairment from alcohol or drugs is the leading cause of wrong-way driving incidents. An intoxicated driver becomes disoriented and may enter a highway going the wrong direction, completely unaware of the danger they’re creating. Blood alcohol concentration tests and toxicology reports become crucial evidence in these cases.
Many wrong-way DUI crashes happen late at night or early morning hours when bars and clubs are closing. If the driver was overserved at a local establishment, you may have a dram shop claim against that business in addition to your claim against the driver.
Confused Drivers on Exit and Entrance Ramps
Elderly drivers, those unfamiliar with the area, or people experiencing a medical emergency can become confused by complex highway interchanges. They may mistakenly drive up an exit ramp or turn the wrong way onto a one-way street, especially in poorly lit areas.
These situations often involve drivers who are lost, following GPS directions incorrectly, or suffering from conditions like dementia or diabetes-related confusion. While the driver is still liable, these cases may involve different legal strategies than intentional reckless behavior.
Distracted or Fatigued Drivers
A driver who is texting, adjusting GPS settings, or falling asleep at the wheel may miss crucial “Wrong Way” or “Do Not Enter” signs. Truck drivers who have violated federal hours-of-service regulations are particularly dangerous when fatigue sets in.
Cell phone records, electronic logging device data from commercial vehicles, and witness testimony about erratic driving patterns all become important evidence in proving distraction or fatigue caused the wrong-way entry.
Dangerous Road Design or Poor Signage
Sometimes the government entity responsible for road maintenance shares fault. Missing signs, burned-out lighting, confusing ramp designs, or inadequate barriers can contribute to a driver making a fatal mistake.
These cases require expert accident reconstruction and traffic engineering analysis to prove that better design or maintenance could have prevented the crash. Claims against government entities have shorter filing deadlines and special procedural requirements.
Weather and Visibility Conditions
West Texas weather can create extremely hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rain, dense fog, or blinding dust storms can reduce visibility to nearly zero, making it impossible for drivers to see road signs or lane markings clearly.
While bad weather doesn’t excuse wrong-way driving, it may be a contributing factor that affects liability and damages calculations. Professional drivers are held to higher standards and expected to stop driving when conditions become unsafe.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Collision
The shock and trauma of a head-on crash can leave you disoriented and unsure what steps to take. Your actions immediately after the accident can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim.
Get Emergency Medical Care
Your health is the absolute priority, even if you feel okay initially. Call 911 immediately and request emergency medical services. Head-on collisions often cause internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage that may not show symptoms right away.
In Lubbock, UMC Health System and Covenant Health are equipped to handle severe trauma cases. Don’t refuse medical transport if paramedics recommend it—your medical records from the scene become important evidence later.
Document the Crash Scene
If you’re physically able, take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. Get pictures from multiple angles showing the final positions of both vehicles. This evidence can disappear quickly once vehicles are towed and debris is cleared.
Collect contact information from any witnesses before they leave the scene. Independent witnesses who saw the crash happen are often your strongest evidence that the other driver was traveling the wrong way.
Avoid Insurance Company Traps
The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster will likely contact you within hours of the crash. They may seem sympathetic and helpful, but their goal is to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give any recorded statements and tell them you need to speak with your attorney first.
Never admit fault or speculate about what happened. Stick to basic facts about your injuries and property damage. Insurance companies will use any statement against you later to reduce their payout.
Contact a Lubbock Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical in wrong-way accident cases. Electronic data from vehicles, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and witness memories all fade quickly. I can send preservation letters to prevent crucial evidence from being destroyed or erased.
The sooner I get involved, the stronger your case becomes. I’ll handle all communication with insurance companies while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wrong-Way Crash?
While the wrong-way driver bears primary responsibility, multiple parties may share liability depending on the specific circumstances of your crash. I investigate every potential source of compensation to maximize your recovery.
The Wrong-Way Driver
The person who drove against traffic is almost always the primary liable party. Even if they face criminal charges for DUI or vehicular assault, you can still pursue a separate civil lawsuit for damages. Criminal cases focus on punishment, while civil cases focus on compensating victims.
If the driver dies in the crash, you can still file a wrongful death claim against their estate and insurance coverage. Don’t assume that a fatality prevents you from seeking compensation.
Bars and Restaurants Under Texas Dram Shop Law
Texas law allows victims to sue establishments that serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated customers who then cause crashes. This is called a “dram shop” claim. You must prove the business served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that this contributed to the wrong-way crash.
- Evidence needed: Credit card receipts, surveillance video, witness testimony about the driver’s condition.
- Time limits: Dram shop claims have the same two-year deadline as other injury claims.
- Potential damages: Businesses often carry substantial liability insurance beyond what individual drivers have.
Government Entities for Road Design Defects
If missing signage, poor lighting, or confusing interchange design contributed to the crash, the responsible government entity may be liable. These cases require proving that reasonable road design or maintenance could have prevented the wrong-way entry.
Claims against cities, counties, or the state have much shorter deadlines—often just six months to provide formal notice. Traffic engineering experts and accident reconstruction specialists are essential for these complex cases.
Employers of Commercial Drivers
If the wrong-way driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may be liable under vicarious liability principles. This commonly applies to delivery drivers, truck drivers, and other commercial vehicle operators.
Employers are responsible for properly screening drivers, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Companies often carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers.
How Texas Law Affects Your Wrong-Way Case
Several key Texas laws directly impact your ability to recover compensation after a wrong-way crash. Understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions about your case.
Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This deadline is strictly enforced—missing it typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
Government liability claims have much shorter deadlines, often requiring formal notice within six months. These procedural requirements are complex and unforgiving, which is why early legal representation is crucial.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Texas follows a “51% bar rule” for shared fault situations. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. However, in wrong-way crashes, it’s extremely difficult for insurance companies to shift significant blame to the victim.
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 10% at fault, you would receive $90,000. As your head-on collision lawyer in Lubbock, I fight against unfair blame-shifting tactics.
Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence
When a wrong-way driver’s conduct was especially reckless—such as extreme intoxication or fleeing police—you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior, not just compensate your losses.
Punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence or malice. They can significantly increase your total recovery in appropriate cases.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Wrong-Way Crash?
Wrong-way accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. I work to secure compensation that covers all your losses, both current and future.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
You can recover all reasonable medical costs related to your injuries, including emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Future medical expenses are often the largest component of serious injury claims.
Life care planning experts help calculate the cost of medical treatment you’ll need for the rest of your life. This includes prescription medications, medical equipment, home modifications, and personal care assistance if needed.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes not just current wages, but also future earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent disability.
Vocational experts analyze how your injuries affect your ability to work and earn money. They consider your education, work experience, and the physical or mental limitations caused by the crash.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life. Wrong-way crashes often cause post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression that can last for years.
These damages are subjective and require careful documentation through medical records, testimony from family and friends, and expert psychological evaluation when appropriate.
Property Damage and Vehicle Replacement
You’re entitled to repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash. Head-on collisions often result in total vehicle loss due to the severity of impact.
Don’t accept the insurance company’s first offer for property damage. They often undervalue vehicles and may not account for diminished value even after repairs.
How I Prove Your Wrong-Way Accident Case
Building a strong wrong-way accident case requires thorough investigation and compelling evidence. I work with experts to reconstruct exactly what happened and prove the full extent of your damages.
Crash Reconstruction and Physical Evidence
Accident reconstruction specialists analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions to determine how the crash occurred. They can calculate vehicle speeds, impact forces, and the sequence of events leading to the collision.
Electronic data recorders in modern vehicles capture crucial information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before impact. This objective data often contradicts insurance company claims about fault or severity.
Witness Testimony and Surveillance Footage
Independent witnesses provide powerful testimony about what they saw before, during, and after the crash. I interview witnesses while their memories are fresh and preserve their statements for trial.
Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and dashboard cameras from other vehicles may have captured the wrong-way driver’s actions. This footage must be preserved quickly before it’s automatically deleted.
Medical Documentation and Expert Testimony
Your medical records document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received. I work with medical experts who can explain your injuries to a jury and testify about your future medical needs.
Neuropsychologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists help establish the long-term impact of your injuries on your daily life and ability to work.
Do Wrong-Way Cases Go to Trial or Settle?
Most wrong-way accident cases settle before trial, but the amount you receive depends on how well your case is prepared. Insurance companies pay more when they know you’re ready and willing to go to court.
Settlement negotiations typically begin once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and we have a complete picture of your damages. The strength of the evidence and the severity of your injuries heavily influence settlement amounts.
Some cases must go to trial, particularly when liability is disputed or the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. I prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which puts maximum pressure on the insurance company to settle fairly.
Why Choose Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer for Your Wrong-Way Crash Case in Lubbock
When you hire me, you get an attorney with over two decades of experience who will personally handle every aspect of your case. You work directly with me, not a paralegal or junior associate.
I prepare every case for trial, which forces insurance companies to take your claim seriously. My local knowledge of Lubbock courts and opposing attorneys helps me anticipate challenges and develop winning strategies.
You pay nothing upfront, and I only collect a fee if I win your case. This contingency fee structure means I’m fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Wrong-way crashes demand immediate legal action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and legal deadlines approach quickly. The sooner you contact me, the stronger your case becomes.
During your free consultation, I’ll personally review the facts of your crash, explain your legal options, and outline the steps we’ll take to maximize your compensation. You have nothing to lose by learning about your rights and everything to gain by taking action now.
Don’t wait to get help after a wrong-way crash. Contact me today for your free case review and let me start fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrong-Way Accidents
Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Wrong-Way Driver Died in the Crash?
Yes, you can file a claim against the deceased driver’s estate and their insurance coverage. The death of the at-fault driver doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation for your injuries and damages.
What if the Police Report Doesn’t Mention Wrong-Way Driving?
Police reports can contain errors or incomplete information, especially in complex crash scenes. I can challenge inaccurate reports using witness testimony, physical evidence, and expert accident reconstruction analysis.
How Long Do Wrong-Way Accident Cases Take to Resolve?
The timeline varies based on the severity of your injuries and case complexity, but most serious injury claims resolve within 12 to 24 months. Cases involving government liability or multiple defendants may take longer.
Will a Criminal DUI Conviction Help My Civil Case?
Yes, a criminal conviction or guilty plea provides strong evidence of the driver’s liability in your civil claim. However, you don’t need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing your civil lawsuit.
What if My Insurance Company is Pressuring Me to Settle Quickly?
Never rush into a settlement, especially while you’re still receiving medical treatment. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Can I Sue a Bar That Overserved the Wrong-Way Driver?
Yes, Texas dram shop law allows you to sue establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated customers who then cause crashes. These claims require specific evidence about the driver’s condition when served.