A head-on collision is a scary kind of motor accident. It involves two cars going in opposite directions clashing with each other from the front. A head-on collision can also occur when a vehicle drives into a stationary object, such as a road barrier or telephone pole. In 2020, head-on collisions accounted for over 10% of all fatal motor accidents, resulting in 3,631 fatalities and thousands more injuries.
The Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision typically involves a car crossing into an opposing traffic lane and striking another car moving in another direction. It could sometimes happen due to mechanical reasons like brake failure or power steering outage. The following are other typical causes of head-on collisions:
- DUI: Driving under the influence (DUI) of toxic substances can cause a driver to act recklessly and swerve into an oncoming vehicle
- Distracted Driving: Motorists may cross into opposing lanes and cause a head-on collision with other drivers or stationary objects if they are using their phones or doing things that make them pay less attention to the road
- Driving while Tired: A tired driver is likely to lose control of the car, especially if they close their eyes or doze off while driving
- Driving Carelessly: There is a high chance that careless drivers will lose control of their vehicle and collide with stationary or oncoming traffic
- Improper Driving: When a driver crosses a double yellow line to pass illegally, enters a one-way street or a highway, or drives in the wrong direction, this may result in a head-on crash
- Poorly-Designed Roads or Inadequate Signage: This point shows that the drivers are not solely responsible for a head-on collision; bad roads and a lack of proper signage can be held accountable for a crash
Common Injuries From Head-on Collisions
One of the reasons head-on collisions are dangerous is the severity of the injuries they cause. Especially if you are in the front seat, you would likely take the brunt of the impact. Being in the back seat does not mean you are safe; you could still sustain fatal injuries. Head-on collision victims frequently sustain life-threatening injuries, including but not limited to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, broken bones, chest injuries, and internal damage to the organs.
How to Identify the Party at Fault
Most of the time, when there is a head-on collision, one of the drivers is to blame for the accident. For instance, if an intoxicated or fatigued driver leaves their lane and hits another car from the front, the impaired driver is responsible for the accident. In this situation, it is crucial to establish who is at fault because that party will have to take responsibility for all accident losses and damages.
However, when the head-on collision is because of insufficient signage or ambiguous roadways, it is the fault of those who designed the roads. Because most states follow fault laws, the victims of head-on accidents can always file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Getting Compensation for a Head-On Collision
If the other driver’s insurance company offers you a reasonable settlement, you may get an out-of-court settlement. Otherwise, you may have to file a claim for compensation in court.
“If you are involved in a head-on collision caused by another driver, quickly hire a competent lawyer. An attorney may be able to help you establish your case to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress,” says Attorney Russell J. Berkowitz of Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice & Injury Lawyers.
