Know Why Head-On Collisions Occur and Their Deadly Consequences

A head-on crash occurs when the front ends of two cars collide—either bumper to bumper or at a slight angle. More people are killed in head-on collisions due to the combined force of the two moving vehicles, and injuries and fatalities that result from this type of crash may be greater if one of the vehicles is a truck, bus, or head-on collisionan SUV. If you’ve been injured in this type of crash or lost a loved one, you may want to hire an experienced lawyer to help you file for compensation.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

Very often, a head-on crash occurs when the at-fault driver sacrifices safety and ignores the law, resulting in poor driving decisions. A few of the most common causes are:

  • Drunk or drugged driving. Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs will experience blurry vision and a loss of coordination. This can result in erratic driving behavior and lane shifting—even into oncoming traffic. The NHTSA reports that alcohol-related accidents accounted for 31 percent of traffic fatalities in 2014.
  • Drowsy driving. When drivers choose to drive even after recognizing they’re fatigued, they put other drivers in danger. Sleepy or drowsy drivers may nod off even on freeways, causing them to drift slowly into oncoming lanes on traffic.
  • Distracted driving. If a driver picks up his phone to check a text message, he is taking his attention away from the action on the road. By choosing to look at his phone, a driver may drift into another lane, not be able to make a sudden stop, or not react to changes in traffic, which can all cause a head-on collision.

The Aftermath of a Head-On Crash

Because so many head-on collisions happen at high speeds, the injuries and damages are often serious. After these types of crashes, you or a loved one might experience:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a concussion
  • Broken bones—including limbs, torso, and head fractures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Serious bruising and lacerations
  • Airbag injuries and whiplash

If you face surgery or prolonged medical treatment because of a head-on collision, or if a crash claimed the life of a loved one, contact the skilled lawyers at Tavss Fletcher to start a discussion about your specific situation. We’ll help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation.