Fairfax, VA Head-On Collision Lawyer

Experienced Head-On Collision Attorneys Representing Seriously Injured Victims in Fairfax, Virginia

People who are involved in car accidents can suffer multiple types of injuries. While the seriousness of injuries can vary in different types of accidents, head-on collisions often lead to the most devastating forms of bodily harm. In these cases, the combined force of impact of two vehicles can place extreme forces on the bodies of drivers and passengers, leading to death.

Families who are left to cope with medical bills, lost income, and grief in the aftermath of these crashes may be unsure about what to do next, but with legal help from a skilled attorney, they can make sure they will be compensated for their damages. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we work to protect the rights of people who have been seriously hurt by negligent drivers. Our approach is grounded in honesty and personalized attention. We take the time to understand the full impact a crash has had on a person's life, and we fight to make sure our clients' ongoing needs will be met.

Why Head-On Collisions Are So Dangerous

Crashes involving frontal-impact collisions generate much more energy than many other types of car accidents. When a head-on crash occurs while both vehicles are traveling at 45 miles per hour, the impact will be similar to one vehicle crashing into a wall at 90 mph.

The injuries that occur in head-on collisions can be devastating. Even when a vehicle is fully equipped with safety features like seat belts and airbags, a person's body will absorb a large amount of force in a crash. The injuries that can occur include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: The damage that occurs to a person's brain is likely to be more severe than a mild concussion. Serious brain trauma can occur, and a person's life may be at risk due to bleeding in the brain and other issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine in a collision can compress or sever the spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia, and a victim may require lifelong care and assistance.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the sternum, ribs, arms, legs, pelvis, and facial bones can occur. Surgery and extended rehabilitation may be needed.
• Internal Organ Damage: An impact can rupture a person's spleen, lacerate their liver, damage other organs, or cause internal bleeding.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe whiplash and torn ligaments or tendons can cause chronic pain and limited mobility, all of which can have an impact on a person's ability to work or perform daily activities.
• Burn Injuries: Fires may occur in the aftermath of a collision, and people in a vehicle may suffer serious burns that will require extensive medical treatment and leave permanent scars.

How Negligence Can Lead to Head-On Collisions

In most cases, a head-on crash will occur as a direct result of a driver's failure to drive safely. There are multiple forms of negligence that can lead to dangerous accidents and serious injuries, including:

Distracted Driving

When a driver looks away from the road for just a few seconds, they may drift out of their lane, putting them in the path of oncoming traffic. Distracted driving may include texting, adjusting a navigation system, eating, or interacting with passengers.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug use is a common factor in many head-on accidents. A driver who is intoxicated may experience poor coordination, causing them to lose control on curves or when making turns and leading to collisions with oncoming vehicles. Issues such as slow reaction times and blurred vision can also affect drunk drivers, making head-on crashes more likely.

Wrong-Way Driving

A driver may enter a highway, a freeway exit, or a one-way road while traveling in the wrong direction. This can occur when a person is driving at night in an unfamiliar area, and intoxication may also be a factor.

Fatigued Driving

Drowsy driving is another issue that may cause a driver to crash into oncoming vehicles. When a person is fatigued, they may fall asleep at the wheel, leaving no one in control of their vehicle. Their car may drift across traffic and collide with others with no warning or attempt to stop.

Aggressive and Reckless Driving

Unsafe passing on two-lane roads or in other locations is a common cause of head-on crashes. Speeding and other forms of aggressive driving can also increase the risks of accidents, since a driver who is behaving dangerously is more likely to lose control of their vehicle.

Mechanical Failures or Defective Vehicle Parts

In some cases, a defect in a vehicle or its parts can lead to an issue such as brake failure or a tire blowout, which may cause a driver to lose control and enter oncoming lanes of traffic. Product liability claims against auto parts manufacturers may be possible in these cases. In other cases, a vehicle owner may be responsible for accidents that occur because they failed to make sure their brakes, tires, or other parts of their vehicle had been maintained correctly.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Head-On Collision Attorney

Because of the severe injuries that can occur in head-on crashes, legal representation can be crucial. Extensive medical treatment may be required, and a person may experience permanent disabilities because of their injuries. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney will work with injury victims to help ensure that they can receive the compensation they need to address the damages caused by a negligent driver. Contact our Fairfax head-on accident lawyer at 703-591-0067 to schedule a free consultation today.