Head-On Car Collisions
Any type of car accident can be devastating, but head-on collisions can be especially so. These accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front to front. Due to the force of impact, head-on collisions often result in severe injuries and, commonly, fatalities.
If you suffered injuries or lost a close family member in a head-on collision, you are likely wondering what to do next.
Always get the medical treatment or other support you need, and then never wait to learn about your legal options. If someone else caused your head-on collision, consult a car accident attorney near you as soon as possible.
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Overview of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents. They often occur at high speeds and can result in life-altering injuries or death. These terrifying events can leave victims emotionally traumatized.
Force of the Impact
When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of impact gets concentrated on the front ends of both vehicles. The combined speed of the vehicles involved often amplifies this force. As a result, head-on collisions tend to cause extensive damage to vehicles and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Inadequate Vehicle Safety Features
While modern cars often have advanced safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, these measures may not be enough to prevent serious injuries in head-on collisions.
These safety features primarily focus on frontal impacts with stationary objects. It may not offer sufficient protection in high-speed head-on collisions with another moving vehicle.
High Rate of Fatalities
Tragically, head-on collisions often result in tragedy. Reports indicate that head-on crashes are part of around 14 percent of all roadway fatalities each year in the United States, which is a much higher representation than head-on crashes themselves.
The force of impact combined with the vulnerability of the human body make these accidents particularly dangerous. Losing a loved one due to a head-on car collision is devastating and can leave surviving family members with emotional trauma and financial hardship.
Whether you suffered an injury or lost an immediate family member, you have important legal rights if another driver or party was to blame. Seek immediate medical attention and then consult a car accident attorney to discuss the next steps.
Proving Liability in a Head-On Collision
Establishing liability in a head-on collision is necessary to obtain compensation from at-fault parties, and it requires a thorough investigation and evidence.
Often, another driver acted negligently and caused the head-on collision.
Negligent driving behaviors that might contribute to these accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding or aggressive maneuvers
- Fatigued driving
Generally, when a driver crosses into oncoming lanes, they have done something negligent.
Wrong-Way Driving and Head-On Collisions
While there are various causes of head-on collisions, one significant factor is wrong-way driving.
Wrong-way driving happens when a driver enters a lane traveling in the opposite direction of the usual traffic flow. This can happen for different reasons, such as impaired driving or confusion due to dementia or medical conditions in senior drivers.
Drunk driving, in particular, significantly increases the risk of wrong-way accidents, as alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Many times, drunk drivers enter a high-speed interstate heading in the wrong direction, and unsuspecting drivers do not have time to stop or move out of the way before they hit the drunk driver head-on.
Another contributing factor to wrong-way driving and head-on collisions is a possible lack of signage.
Clear and visible road signs must guide drivers and prevent them from entering the wrong lanes. Without proper and visible signs, drivers may unintentionally end up turning in the wrong direction, leading to disastrous consequences.
Whether wrong-way driving is the fault of a driver or another party, victims of head-on collisions deserve compensation and justice. A car accident lawyer can seek compensation from the proper parties.
Serious Injuries from Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions commonly result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can occur even if a victim does not hit their head, as the sudden and forceful impact of this type of crash can cause someone’s brain to collide with their skull, leading to serious bruising, bleeding, or swelling.
TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being.
While seat belts are critical in preventing ejections in head-on collisions, victims can suffer serious injuries from seat belts themselves. Serious chest and internal injuries can result. Fractures, knee injuries, and spinal injuries are also common.
After a crash, always get immediate medical care. Doctors can diagnose your injuries and begin immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. They can create records of all your injuries, which can help prove all you suffered when you later file an injury claim.
Seeking Legal Representation
After a head-on car collision, always prioritize your physical and emotional recovery. Once you address your injuries with medical treatment, hire a car accident lawyer.
Car accident attorneys regularly handle cases involving all kinds of traffic collisions. They know the laws governing these accidents and can identify who should be liable for your injuries.
They will handle insurance claims, negotiate with opposing parties, and build a strong case for you.
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the head-on collision. Even if you believe the other driver caused the crash in a clear wrong-way collision, you still need evidence to prove liability.
Your attorney will gather this evidence, such as police reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions, to support your claim.
Insurance companies may try to offer a quick settlement that doesn’t adequately compensate you for your injuries and damages. Your car accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If insurers do not offer a fair amount, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Head-on collisions are traumatizing, and you should remain focused on recovering from your injuries and keeping up with ongoing medical treatment. Leave the claim process to a dedicated personal injury attorney. Seek a free case evaluation today.
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