Head-on collisions are one of the worst type of vehicular accidents across the country. While only about 2% of auto accidents involve head-on collisions, they make up 10% of all traffic accident deaths. Head-on collisions often occur when vehicles cross the median into oncoming traffic. The speed combined with the violent impact leads to catastrophic injuries and death.
Call us today at (714) 515-9696 so we can evaluate your case.
What causes head-on collisions?
Most head-on collisions occur when a driver unknowingly crosses the center line. This happens when the driver loses focus due to drowsiness, distraction, or taking a curve at high speed. Slippery or icy roads also cause a vehicle to swerve uncontrollably into the opposite lane.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is more likely to cause a head-on collision than others. Crashes also occur when a driver makes a hazardous pass (as on a curve) or drives on the wrong lane by mistake (like getting in an exit ramp). Narrowing of lanes and redirections in construction areas also contribute to head-on collisions. Slower driving speeds and heightened awareness of potential hazards can minimize the risk.
Driver negligence is the most common cause for head-on collisions. Some factors that increase the risk of a devas crash include:
- Texting while driving
- Distractions like reading a map or fiddling with the radio.
- Driving under the influence
- Overspeeding
- Making an unsafe pass
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
Vehicles nowadays have safety features that will alert you when you move too close to the center line. These features may prevent you from causing a collision, but will be useless against other drivers who cross the median and smash headlong into your car. When this happens, you have the right to receive compensation for injuries caused by the negligent driver.
Injuries caused by head-on collisions
Head-on collisions claim more human lives than any other type of motor vehicle accident. While airbags can save lives, its deployment in a head-on collision can lead to chest injuries, broken noses, concussions, loss of hearing, and other injuries.
Airbags and “crumple zones” may minimize the damage of a head-on crash.
However, when two vehicles crash into each other at highway speeds, no amount of safety technology can avert the catastrophic effects of a head-on collision.
Other than fatalities, head-on collisions can cause :
- traumatic injuries of head, brain, neck, back, and other soft tissues
- loss of sight, disfigurement, ant other facial injuries
- dislocated jaws and other dental injuries
- back and spinal cord injuries
- partial or total paralysis
- broken bones
- nerve damage
- damage to vital organs and other internal injuries
- amputation of limbs
While head-on crash injuries can be physically and emotionally traumatizing, they can be very costly to treat as well. Treatment, physical therapy, and the long term care can incur huge medical bills and loss of current and future income. An injured person can seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial suffering they have endured.
Seeking financial damages for head-on collision victims
Victims of head-on collisions can receive fair and lawful settlement for injuries they have sustained. Compensation may include payment for:
- current and future medical expenses, including physiotherapy
- cost of surgery, and cosmetic facial procedures
- cost of rehabilitation, wheelchairs, and other medical appliances
- cost of hiring nurses, caregivers, and other health personnel
- lost earnings and loss of future income
- pain and suffering
- loss of consortium
Contact us
Victims of negligent drivers in Orange County are entitled to receive fair compensation for their injuries. In case of a wrongful death, living family members are entitled to receive compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided them, as well as additional damages for loss of companionship and guidance.
Contact us right away if you or someone you love was injured in a head-on collision. Barrios & Machado is committed to seeking justice for auto accident victims and their family.
Call us today at (714) 515-9696 to schedule a free consultation.
