Typically, when someone thinks of a car accident, they think of a rear-end collision, a sideswipe accident, or even a T-bone accident. Most individuals don’t think of head-on collisions because, usually, vehicles move in the same direction. However, head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of car accidents. Whether a vehicle is trying to bypass a slower vehicle on a country road and fails to look around to make sure the coast is clear before crossing the line into the opposite lane, or a head-on collision happens at an intersection from someone jumping the light, the impact can be heavily felt and seen by both the drivers and their passengers.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
Head-on collisions, also known as frontal collisions, are accidents that occur when two vehicles driving in opposite directions collide. Head-on collisions can also refer to car accidents in which a driver strikes a stationary object, such as a pole, tree, or barrier, head-on.
What Makes Head-On Car Wrecks So Deadly?
Head-on collisions have one of the highest fatality rates in car accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that 57% of occupants in the front seat of a vehicle during a head-on collision were killed in 2019. Most head-on collisions happen on rural roads.
The force of impact from a head-on collision destroys the vehicle’s front and, depending on the speed at which the vehicles were traveling, can lead to serious injuries for both drivers and passengers in the front seat. Shrapnel and glass often fly everywhere as the windshield is shattered, and the front end of the car can be pushed into the driver’s and passenger’s leg space, causing them to become trapped.
How Is the Force of a Head-On Collision Calculated?
In head-on collisions, the force of impact depends on the speed at which the vehicles were traveling. For example, if two vehicles collided head-on at 50 mph, their combined speed would be 100 mph.
What Causes Head-On Car Accidents?
Head-on collisions can be caused by several different factors. Whether a driver misses a wrong-way sign or a vehicle malfunction causes them to lose control, head-on collisions often result in significant damage. Here are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving can include texting while driving, changing the radio station, correcting a child in the backseat, or eating or drinking.
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Drugs and alcohol reduce a person’s reasoning and reaction times, making them more likely to make dangerous mistakes, such as driving on the wrong side of the road or trying to enter the interstate through an exit ramp.
- A Driver Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel: A fatigued driver may fall asleep behind the wheel and lose control of their car, veering into oncoming traffic.
- Driver Confusion: This describes a driver who becomes confused while traveling on unfamiliar roads and ends up traveling in the wrong direction.
- Speeding: Speeding increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle.
- Improper Passing: Refers to impatient drivers who become frustrated when following a slower driver and try to pass without checking the other lane to ensure there is no oncoming traffic. This often happens on rural roads.
Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions
While vehicles are built with safety features such as airbags to help protect the driver and front-seat passengers, they often aren’t enough to prevent serious or fatal injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from a head-on collision are as follows:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Head Injuries and Concussions
- Internal Organ Damage
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Broken Bones
Who Is At Fault In a Head-On Collision?
If you were injured in a head-on collision, you may be wondering whether your case qualifies for compensation. To get compensation from the responsible party, you have to be able to prove the fault of the other driver. In Head-On collisions, it is often pretty easy to see which driver was at fault. However, not all cases are like that. To determine fault, you have to prove the following about the defendant:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care: Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and reasonably to avoid injuring others. This duty often entails following all road laws, ensuring their vehicle is in working condition before driving, and making proper lane changes.
- The defendant breached their duty: You must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently/carelessly. This could mean that the defendant was texting and driving right before the accident or they recklessly tried to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road.
- The defendant’s actions were the direct cause of the accident: You will have to prove that it was the defendant’s breach of duty that resulted in the accident that caused your injuries.
- The defendant owes you damages associated with your injury: The injured party needs to provide proof and an estimate of their monetary losses due to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, etc.
Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has DFW’s leading car accident attorneys. We have helped countless people get their lives back on track by proving the liable party’s negligence and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Don’t let the defendant or the insurance company bully you into accepting anything less than what you deserve. Contact our Dallas car accident lawyers today for more information on our services or to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
FAQs:
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash directly into each other. The speed and force of both vehicles often result in severe structural damage and a high risk of fatal and permanent injury.
These accidents often occur due to the following:
– Distracted driving
– Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Unsafe passing
– Driving on the wrong side of the road
– Poor weather
– Poor road conditions
Texas uses a fault-based system to determine the proportionate responsibility of both drivers involved in the accident. This means liability and financial recovery depend heavily on proving the responsible party’s negligence.
Evidence used to determine which party had the most fault in the accident is as follows:
– Police reports
– Physical evidence such as photos of skid marks, vehicle debris placement, and point of impact
– Digital or video data from dashcam or nearby security or traffic cameras
– Expert testimony
Head-on collisions are among the most severe of traffic accidents and often result in catastrophic damage and physical trauma.
Common physical injuries include:
– Traumatic brain injuries
– Chest injuries from the crushing force of the seatbelt or hitting the steering column
– Internal injuries
– Broken bones
– Spinal cord damage
– Facial trauma and lacerations
Common legal and financial damages:
– Medical treatment
– Physical therapy
– Prescription medications
– Lost wages
– Loss of earning capacity
– Totaled car
– Physical pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Post-traumatic stress disorder
– Reduced quality of life
Yes. A head-on accident involves catastrophic damage and life-altering injuries. On top of that, victims are often facing massive financial loss. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving injured parties unable to navigate their recovery and scrambling for support. The dedicated car accident attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. will fight for you to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations gives injured parties two years from the date of the car accident to file a claim. However, acting as soon as possible increases your chances of a successful recovery because the evidence is still fresh.
