What Are the Top 6 Causes of Head-on Collisions?
Posted on April 29, 2024
The majority of car accidents involve rear-end crashes, such as fender benders, that result in minor injuries and lots of aggravation. Conversely, head-on collisions most often result in catastrophic injuries, leaving accident victims reeling in an aftershock of tragedy.
Head-on car accidents are perhaps the worst kind of all, producing extensive medical bills to treat serious injuries and other financial losses. A head-on collision may even be the reason why a treasured loved one lost their life.
The King Law Firms specializes in personal injury cases, particularly those that involve head-on collisions. Our car accident attorneys are adept at providing legal advice and representation to victims of wrong-way crashes. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve. This informative article reveals the reasons why head-on collisions occur and how you can protect yourself in your personal injury claim.
How Do Head On Collision Car Accidents Occur?
Almost every type of car crash is caused by human error to some degree. Head-on collisions are usually a matter of driver error. A head-on crash involves driving into oncoming traffic or heading in the wrong direction. When cars heading in opposite directions collide, life-threatening injuries are typically the result. Head-on crashes are also the most common cause of car accident fatalities.
Here is a look at six causes of why two vehicles crash head-on:
1. Distracted Driving
Accidents happen due to distracted driving every day and it is among the most common causes of head-on collisions. A frontal collision caused by distracted driving can happen when a driver is texting, reaching for something in the backseat, eating, talking to other passengers, or fiddling with the stereo. When a driver is distracted, it is that driver’s negligence that causes the frontal crash.
2. Fatigued Driving
Driving while fatigued, or drowsy driving, is another reason that head-on accidents happen. Perhaps a motor vehicle accident could have been avoided if the at-fault driver had taken the right precautions. When a driver works late or doesn’t get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel, which is common in trucking, it is just as deadly as impaired driving. Some drivers even fall asleep while at the steering wheel and don’t wake up until the moment of impact.
3. Reckless Driving in Bad Weather
A head-on collision can easily occur when the roads are slick with rain, ice, or snow. Other conditions, such as fog, can also obstruct visibility. Even traveling at the posted speed limit can be too fast for the current weather conditions. Going too fast in inclement weather can cause a driver to lose control. They may cross the double yellow line on a two-lane road, barrelling into vehicles traveling in the other direction.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving is a common cause of frontal crashes that result in severe injuries and deadly wrecks. Driving skills are impaired when someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often leading to driver confusion. While some drivers might crash into a stationary object, others may drive the wrong way down a one-way street and crash into other vehicles. If you were involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, make sure you speak with a car accident attorney.
5. Lack of Skills When Passing Vehicles
Some head-on collisions are caused on roads where passing slower traffic is permitted. Drivers may miscalculate the distance of oncoming vehicles, leading to horrific head-on auto accidents. In other cases, vehicle defects may be the reason that another driver causes a head-on collision. When brakes and tires are not maintained, it can cause a head-on car crash.
6. Disregarding Traffic Signals
In any auto accident, a negligent driver may have failed to follow traffic signals and rules of the road. It is common in head-on collisions when drivers speed through red lights, causing serious injuries for those who had the misfortune of being in their path.
Steps to Take After a Head-On Car Accident
After a head-on collision, it is essential that you know the steps to take to protect your legal rights. The first step is to call the police and report the crash while requesting medical assistance. Common injuries that occur in these crashes are broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is imperative to seek medical attention as some injuries, like a traumatic brain injury, may not have any obvious symptoms initially.
If possible, take photos of the vehicles involved and gather evidence, which you will need to submit for your insurance claim. You will need to contact your insurance company to report the accident but you should always attend to your injuries first. Your medical expenses may be astronomical, which is why many accident victims involved in head-on crashes file a personal injury lawsuit.
You may have expenses for the ambulance ride, emergency surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and making accommodations to your home if your injuries have impacted your mobility. In your lawsuit, you can also seek damages for your lost wages, your loss of earning potential, property damage, and other economic damages. Most of the time, you will be offered a settlement that might covers your medical bills. It won’t consider your other extensive damages or your future medical costs.
It also won’t include the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of someone else’s negligent driving actions. With the help of an attorney, you will be able to hold the other driver liable for all the losses they caused you. This can include your loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. The King Law Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us to find out more about your legal options.