Head-on car collisions occur when two vehicles' front ends collide and are the most dangerous and deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents. The force of the combined speeds of the vehicles results in a powerful impact, which often leads to detrimental injuries and wrongful death.
If you are an injury victim or lost a loved one due to a head-on car collision, consult a car accident attorney. You'll want to have the circumstances of your case evaluated to determine your right to recover financial compensation.
How Common Are Head-On Car Collisions?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), head-on car collisions account for nearly 30 percent of collisions with other vehicles. So, while they aren't the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, they are common on the roadways today.
Where Do Head-On Car Collision Fatalities Occur Most?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reports vehicle head-on car collisions to account for around 14 percent of traffic fatalities annually and 27 percent of all roadway departure fatalities. Road characteristics involving head-on car collisions include:
- Undivided roadways (85 percent)
- Roads with a posted speed of 50+ MPH (70 percent)
- Rural area roads (65 percent)
- Roads with curves (31 percent)
- Wet or icy roads (22 percent)
These types of motor vehicle accidents are extremely dangerous because the vehicles' combined speeds create a high-energy impact. The force of the crash is so violent that it can crush the vehicle's metal, frame, and structure in seconds.
If you are involved in a head-on car collision, an experienced car accident lawyer can work to prove liability and recover the financial losses incurred.
Common Causes of Head-On Car Collisions
The most common causes of head-on car collisions are distracted, impaired, and reckless driving, as well as bad road conditions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a motorist takes their eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, or mind off driving. It is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, including head-on car collisions. Typical distractions are as follows:
- Talking or texting on cell phones
- Scrolling or posting on social media
- Taking selfies or recording videos for social media
- Using a navigation system (GPS)
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting climate controls and radio
- Daydreaming
- Looking at events outside of the vehicle
- Reaching for things inside the vehicle
- Personal grooming
- Passengers
- Listening to music, podcasts, books, or sports games
Moving objects inside a vehicle can be another significant distraction, causing head-on car collisions. Anything from a water bottle rolling around on the floor to a beloved pet freely wandering about in the vehicle can distract a motorist from driving.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is another considerable cause of head-on car collisions and other motor vehicle accidents. Examples of impairment that affects a motorist’s driving ability include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving while under the influence of illicit drugs
- Driving after taking certain over-the-counter medications
- Driving while under the influence of certain prescription medications
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
Having a medical condition that affects your driving is another form of impairment. Medical conditions that may affect driving include vision impairment, sleep disorders, and neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a serious moving violation and a misdemeanor offense in several states. Having an experienced lawyer involved in a reckless driving case is highly advised. Examples of reckless driving include:
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Ignoring street signs and traffic lights
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic (abrupt lane changes)
- Disregarding traffic laws
- Unsafe or illegal passing
- Failure to yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists
- Driving on a sidewalk
- Passing a school bus
- Street racing
Trying to evade the police is another form of reckless driving. Penalties vary by state and may include paying substantial fines, suspension of driver's licenses or revocations, and jail time. Some situations may warrant a felony reckless driving charge. A car accident lawyer can clarify local laws regarding head-on car collisions caused by reckless driving.
Bad Road Conditions
Bad road conditions can create hazardous situations, leading to head-on car collisions and other vehicular accidents. The most common examples of bad road conditions are as follows:
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Potholes and cracks in the concrete
- Broken or lack of adequate guardrails
- Inadequate lighting or signage
- Shoulder drops
- Faded paint markings
- Poorly designed roads
- Inadequate drainage
When poor road conditions are involved, a municipality, state, or federal government agency may be partially or entirely liable in your head-on car collision claim. Your car accident attorney will examine all possible liable parties to maximize your financial settlement.
What To Do After a Head-On Car Collision
You should do three critical things after a head-on car collision. These include getting medical attention, documenting your accident and injuries, and hiring a car accident lawyer.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical care following a head-on car collision is vital for assessing injuries and overall well-being following the crash. Do not put it off because you do not feel seriously injured.
Adrenaline and shock are powerful deterrents from what your body is undergoing and can delay pain and other symptoms of injury. A medical evaluation is the safest way to ensure you’re genuinely alright.
Have a medical professional do a complete medical evaluation to document injuries or other symptoms indicative of further injury development. For example, injuries, including whiplash and concussions, can take hours to several days to present. Furthermore, if left undiagnosed and untreated, some injuries, such as internal injuries, can become fatal.
Thoroughly Document Your Accident and Injuries
A dated and detailed accounting of your accident, injuries, and recovery is especially helpful in establishing damages. An injury journal is ideal for documenting:
- Detailed accounting of the head-on car collision
- Dates of the head-on car collision, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services
- Limitations or inability you're experiencing performing daily tasks, work, or hobbies
- Mental and emotional state
- Detailed descriptions of pain levels and sleep disturbances
- Any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the head-on car collision
Stay consistent and detailed with your journal entries. Your injury journal is a significant part of your lawyer's ability to prove damages, especially intangible ones, such as chronic pain and mental anguish.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, hire a car accident lawyer to represent your legal rights, including the one to financial compensation. Car accident attorneys usually work for contingency. They don't require upfront fees and only get paid if they successfully obtain a monetary settlement for your head-on car collision claim. Schedule a free consultation with a Winder personal injury lawyer to have your case evaluated.