One of the most severe types of motor vehicle accidents is a head-on collision. Although motorists can suffer injuries even in minor crashes, injuries tend to be worse when two vehicles heading in opposite directions hit each other head-on.
As a result of the force involved in front-end impacts, head-on accidents are often devastating collisions involving massive damage and catastrophic injuries. Whether a victim suffers a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, paralysis, disfiguring injury, or other disabling injury, a person’s life can forever be changed following a head-on crash. Sadly, head-on collisions are often fatal.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
It is important that victims of head-on accidents know about some of the common reasons these types of collisions occur. It’s probably no surprise, but head-on accidents typically take place due to driver negligence, such as:
- Drowsy driving. This is when drivers are so tired, they cannot think straight, see correctly, or react quickly. Unfortunately, their ability to drive safely is negatively affected and they may drive over the center line.
- Distracted driving. Many drivers use cell phones to talk, text, or browse social media sties while driving. Any activity that takes a driver’s mind off driving, eyes off the road, and hands off the wheel is a distraction and can cause a driver to crash into another car.
- Drunk driving. When drivers get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they may be impaired and unable to drive safely. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher are considered drunk drivers and have been known to plow into other vehicles head-on.
Although the three driver behaviors listed above cause the majority of head-on accidents, sometimes the cause of a head-on crash could also involve an auto manufacturer or tire manufacturer. If car parts or tires are defective and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash, manufacturers or third parties could be held accountable for the property damages, injuries, and losses that occurred as a result of the collision.
Why You Should Talk With an Attorney After a Head-On Accident
When two vehicles hit each other at the front end, the damage can be so severe that it can cause both vehicles to spin out of control—sending them in different directions—which can make it difficult for the victim to prove the other driver was negligent. This is why it is critical that victims involved in a head-on crashes speak with an attorney quickly after this type of accident so that evidence can be documented and preserved in order to prove the other driver was responsible for the collision.
Additionally, if a third party such as a car manufacturer is involved, the case can be more complicated and having an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner will benefit you. Talking with an accident attorney is even more critical when a family member is taken from you due to driver negligence.
Our lawyers can talk to you about your rights to a wrongful death claim and educate you about your legal rights in general. Please call our office at 703-721-4233 for a free consultation. We would be honored to help you hold the right person accountable for your losses.