Very few automobile accidents are as shocking as a head-on collision. Watching as another vehicle heads straight at you, and then bracing for the impact, can be emotionally devastating for many years to come. In addition to the emotional impact, head-on collisions often result in severe physical injury, and sometimes even cause fatalities.
While there are a number of causes of head-on collisions, most of them are preventable, which means that somebody is at fault for your unnecessary pain and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys have handled countless automobile accident cases, know exactly how to prove fault, and understand what it takes to take on the insurance companies to get you the compensation and healing that you deserve.
Head-on Collisions Overview
Although head-on auto accident collisions account for only about 2% of all traffic-related accidents, they do result in 10% of all roadway fatalities involving automobiles or trucks, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Head-on collisions are also among the most emotionally traumatic since many victims are aware of the impending collision within seconds before it happens.
Head-on collisions are caused by a number of factors:
- Slippery roads causing a driver to lose control
- Fatigued motorist whose car drifts into the opposing lane
- Speeding when encountering a sharp curve and entering the opposing lane
- Driving the wrong way on the highway or on a one-way street
- Defective road design or signage causing confusion to motorists
- Driving while distracted and allowing the car to enter the other lane of traffic
- Allowing the car to drift over the center line on a narrow roadway
- Misjudgment in passing a vehicle and colliding with oncoming vehicle
- Lack of median or buffer dividing the roadway
Although most cars have operating air bags, not all deploy in a head-on collision. When they do, the bags can also cause neck and chest injuries. These accidents can happen on rural roads where lighting is dim or non-existent, suburban streets or freeways.
Injuries can be devastating
Injuries can be catastrophic, since a passenger car or truck colliding with a car at any speed can easily cause fatalities or traumatic injuries. These include:
- Broken limbs
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Facial fractures
- Disfigurement
- Spinal injuries including paralysis
- Traumatic brain damage
- Severe lacerations
These accidents can result in permanent, debilitating injuries that are life-changing for the victim and families. In many cases, the victim is unable to return to their usual occupation or work at all.
Compensation for Head-on Collisions
Compensation for a head-on collision can include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional trauma
- Spousal claim for loss of consortium
Fatality Claims
If a fatality occurs, there are two types of claims. One is brought by the immediate family in a wrongful death action; the other is a survival action brought by the representative of the decedent’s estate. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Loss of financial support and income
- Loss of love, companionship, guidance and consortium
- Grief, stress and mental anguish of the family members
Your injury, or the injury or death of a family member, can affect you for a lifetime. With an experienced injury lawyer on your side, you can be assured that your claim will be handled efficiently and professionally from start to finish. Representation is based on a contingency basis so you incur no out-of-pocket expenses. Get legal advice & support from our experienced Car Accident Lawyers.
