Head-on collisions don’t happen very often. However, they result in the most severe injuries. That’s because when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, the impact doubles.
Imagine how much damage can be done when a vehicle crashes into a stationary object at 50 mph. Now imagine the impact of a crash at 100 mph. That is a very real scenario of how devastating a head-on collision can be for everyone involved.
What causes head-on collisions?
This type of car accident is most likely to occur on unseparated rural roads with frequent curves. They are usually caused by:
- Drivers who are distracted by handheld devices
- Impaired drivers
- Sleepy drivers
- Drivers who pass in single-lane roads without due care
- Drivers who get struck in lane-departure accidents
- Mechanical defects such as tire blowouts, brake failure, loose wheels and steering failures
- Slippery road conditions
- Poor visibility
While highly unlikely, head-on collisions can happen on major highways, such as Interstates 165 and 10, when motorists drive the wrong way.
When do they become fatal?
Any head-on collision can be fatal. However, according to The Car Crash Detective, they are usually deadly when they occur on roads where drivers travel over 43 mph.
At 40 mph, your vehicle’s front end can absorb much of the impact. These crashes are often survivable but still result in severe injuries. These include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal injuries
- Paralysis
When the speed doubles to 80 mph, the damage can be four times more devastating. While the impact doubles, the protection provided by your vehicle’s front end, seatbelt and airbag is no longer effective. You may get crushed inside your vehicle or ejected. Either way, the outcome can be catastrophic.
Don’t delay. Consult with an attorney today
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a head-on collision, proving negligence may be difficult. Both vehicles could be hurled in different directions. There may not be any tire skid marks in the road showing that the other driver swerved into your lane. The factors that could have contributed to the crash – such as sleepy driving and distracted driving – may not yield any evidence.
That’s where we come in. The legal team at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC has a wealth of legal knowledge and experience handling head-on collision claims. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight to maximize your compensation, so you don’t have to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages out of your own pocket.
Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us right away and schedule your free case evaluation today.