Why Are Wrong-Way Driving Crashes So Deadly?

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Car Accidents

A devastating wrong-way crash occurred on the Tri-State Tollway near Golf Road in Glenview at 1:54 a.m. on June 25th, 2025. A car was traveling in the wrong direction in the northbound lanes when it struck a box truck head-on, killing the wrong-way driver and injuring the truck’s driver and passenger. Wrong-way crashes are among the most severe types of highway collisions.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a wrong-way collision, our skilled Glenview, IL personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can investigate the car accident and help you seek the full justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Are Wrong-Way Crashes on Interstates More Likely to Be Fatal?

Wrong-way accidents often result in head-on collisions at highway speeds. Because vehicles often collide directly with little opportunity to brake or swerve, impact forces are extreme. According to the Federal Highway Administration, wrong-way crashes account for around 300-400 deaths each year nationwide.

The risk of wrong-way driving usually increases late at night or very early in the morning. The early morning timing of the I-294 collision highlights the risk.

Although head-on collisions are not as common as other types of accidents, they are some of the most deadly. A head-on crash multiplies the impact force, dramatically increasing the likelihood of severe injuries. Suppose two vehicles are traveling at 70 miles per hour in opposite directions. The impact force if those vehicles collide is like hitting an immovable object at 140 mph. Seatbelts and airbags are often unable to prevent drivers and passengers from being harmed.

What Can Lead to Wrong-Way Interstate Travel and Collisions?

A study found that impaired driving, including alcohol or drugs, is involved in more than half of wrong-way crashes in Illinois. Fatigue can also cause drivers to make serious driving errors.

Technologies are being developed that could warn drivers in real time if they are behaving abnormally, such as driving the wrong way. However, it is uncertain when these solutions might be available.

How Can a Lawyer Help After a Wrong-Way Driving Accident?

If you were involved in a wrong-way crash, your injuries are probably severe. If you lost a loved one, your life has been permanently altered. In either situation, focus on rebuilding your life rather than the legal aspects of a compensation claim. We can handle all aspects of your personal injury or wrongful death claim.

We can investigate your accident, gathering various types of evidence. We can file claims against all at-fault parties. We can calculate your damages accurately, based on case-specific factors. Common personal injury damages include:

• Lost income or diminished earning capacity
• Current and future medical treatment expenses
• Property damage
• Other accident-related expenses
• Pain and suffering

Wrongful death damages may include funeral and burial costs, as well as compensation that addresses your additional losses. If we are unable to negotiate a reasonable settlement offer, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Northbrook, IL Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a family member was harmed in a wrong-way crash like the one on I-294, our dedicated Cook County, IL personal injury attorneys can help. Request your free case review today by calling Gruzmark Law, Ltd. at 847-729-7660 or contacting us online.