When a Head-On Car Crash Turns Deadly
One of the scariest types of car crashes a person can be involved in is a head-on accident. This type of car accident occurs when the front-end of two vehicles collide, most commonly on a road with no median to stop motor vehicles from crossing lanes. According to data gathered by the Fatal Analysis Reporting System in 1999, 75 percent of head-on accidents occurred on un-divided two-lane roads. The reason that head-on collisions are so scary is that they are often fatal: statistics show that in 2005, head-on crashes in the U.S. were only two percent of all car accidents but accounted for 10.1 percent of all fatal crashes. While a head-on car crash often involves two vehicles, in some cases one vehicle smacks into a stationary object such as a wall, light pole, tree or fence.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a head-on car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering and more. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today; he or she will fight the insurance agency for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Common causes of head-on collisions
- Rural roads, neighborhood roads and other roads that lack a median meant to stop vehicles from crossing over into the opposing lane
- Poor construction-zone redirecting
- Distracted driving
- Failure to maintain vehicle control, failing to pass or overtake another vehicle
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when fatigued
- Poor weather conditions such as ice
- Breaking traffic rules or ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Being unfamiliar with the area can cause confusion and lead to a driver turning down a one-way road and crashing head-on into another vehicle
Common injuries from head-on car crashes
- Head trauma, particularly concussion
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Airbag injuries
- Neck and back trauma including whiplash
- Loss of teeth and other dental damage
- Internal organ injuries
The speed of travel before the collision as well as whether the passengers were properly strapped into their seats has a big impact on the severity of the injuries that occur in all collisions, including head-on accidents.
How can cities and towns reduce the rate of deadly head-on car accidents?
- Traffic signs and road surface markings to help guide drivers through curves.
- Separating opposing lanes of traffic with wide central reservation (or median). These barriers can be made of concrete or cable.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
