How Common Are Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions are less common than other accidents. However, they tend to be a lot more severe. We’ll cover what you need to know about head-on collisions below.
If another driver caused your head-on collision, you have options. We can get you help from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Plus, you don’t pay unless we win you money.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.
How Often Do Head-on Collisions Occur?
According to facts and statistics on highway safety from the Insurance Information Institute (III), head-on collisions made up 10.1% of fatal crashes in 2017. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also shows that deadly head-on accidents happen more in rural areas.
Although head-on crashes happen less frequently than other accidents, they are more deadly. When a head-on collision does happen, the results are often horrible.
What to Know About Head-on Collision Injuries
Head-on accident injuries tend to be severe. A victim might experience any of the following:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Disabilities
Serious accidents can also cause emotional damages like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) shows that:
- Auto accidents have become the number one cause of PTSD since the Vietnam War.
- An estimated 9% of severe accident survivors develop PTSD symptoms.
- Many other accident victims have PTSD-like reactions.
PTSD and other emotional damages can become permanent after an accident. The same goes for physical injuries that cause disabilities. Sadly, many head-on collisions lead to death.
If you suffered severe injuries from your accident, a lawyer can help. You might also be able to seek recovery if you lost a loved one in a head-on crash.
To learn more, get a FREE consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer today. Call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to get started.
Steps to Seeking Recovery After a Head-on Collision
After a head-on collision, you have legal options. If another driver caused the accident, you can pursue compensation for your damages. Here are some actions you can take to build your case.
Report the Accident and Get Medical Attention
After a head-on crash, you will probably have bad injuries. Don’t wait to call 911 right away. Tell the police that you were in an accident and you need medical attention.
Reporting the accident will create an official accident report. This report will help show what happened. Without an official report, you might have trouble getting the compensation you deserve.
Document the Scene
If you can, take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. They might be able to provide supporting statements for your case.
If you are injured too severely to gather information at the scene, get treatment first. Call a head-on collision lawyer so they can return to the scene and get more evidence.
Save Evidence of Damages
Keep track of all evidence of your damages. This includes medical bills, receipts, quotes, and missed workdays. You will need to provide proof of your losses when you file a claim.
Be Wary of the Insurance Company
If another driver caused your accident, their insurance company will reach out soon. Avoid saying or doing anything related to the insurer before talking to a lawyer.
The insurance company will be looking for ways to reduce what they have to pay. They might use tactics like:
- Calling you and using anything you say against you
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries
- Trying to get you to sign documents or give a recorded statement
- Telling you that you don’t need to get a lawyer
- Intimidating you into accepting a lowball settlement
Don’t believe anything the insurer says. Talk to a lawyer who you know is on your side first. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company. That way, you won’t have to worry about saying something “wrong.”
Why Head-on Accidents Are So Serious
A head-on collision happens when the fronts of two cars collide. The force of two vehicles traveling towards each other is very severe. Plus, head-on crashes often occur at high speeds.
Deadly force and high speeds are a recipe for fatal accidents. Head-on crash victims often suffer catastrophic injuries or death as a result.
Common Reasons Head-on Collisions Happen
A head-on crash occurs when one driver is negligent. Negligence is a lack of ordinary care that all drivers should show towards each other.
Here are the most common ways driver carelessness causes head-on accidents.
Wrong-Way Driving
Head-on accidents are often unavoidable when someone is driving the wrong way on the road. A driver might be going the wrong way on a one-way street or a highway ramp. Drunk driving, distracted driving, or poor visibility can cause wrong-way driving.
Drowsy Driving
Sleepy driving can cause someone to veer over the center line on a two-way road. Even a moment of falling asleep at the wheel can cause a head-on crash.
Drowsy driving is typical in truck drivers and commercial drivers. These workers must drive during late hours or for long shifts. As a result, they can become drowsy and cause a dangerous head-on crash.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause a head-on crash. If a driver is intoxicated, they are likely to make mistakes like driving the wrong way. A drunk driver might also lack the reaction time to correct their error and avoid an accident.
Distracted Driving
Texting, talking on the phone, and messing with the radio are all distracted driving examples. A distracted driver is often more dangerous than a drunk driver. One moment of distraction can cause a driver to veer into oncoming traffic.
Illegal Passing
Drivers can become impatient on two-way roads with heavy traffic. If a driver tries to pass when they have a solid center line, they can collide head-on with oncoming cars.
Talk to a Head-On Collisions Lawyer for Free Today
If another driver injured you or killed a loved one in a head-on collision, talk to a lawyer. We can match you with the best attorney for your needs — risk-free. You do not pay unless we win you money.
To get a FREE consultation, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.
