Head on collisions are one of the most dangerous and deadly types of car accident. While it may seem to you obvious who the negligent driver was, the insurance company or other driver may not feel the same way. This is why you need a head on collision lawyer, fighting on your side every step of the way.
It isn’t simple to navigate the intricate world of personal injury claims following a head on car crash. As experienced car accident attorneys in the Nashville area, we recognize that these collisions can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. For these personal injury cases, we delve into the unique legal considerations and challenges that arise when pursuing compensation after a head-on collision. From determining liability to assessing the full extent of your damages, we provide valuable insights and guidance to help you protect your rights and seek justice in the aftermath of such harrowing accidents.
Why Does This Type of Car Accident Happen?
Head on collisions are among the most severe and dangerous types of car wreck, often involving serious injuries and costly medical bills. Head on collisions occur for various reasons, often involving driver errors or environmental factors. Some common causes of head-on collisions include:
Distracted Driving: Distraction from activities such as texting, talking on their cell phone, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can cause a driver to drift into oncoming traffic/ In these cases, driver negligence lead to the head on collision.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can severely impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to stay in their lane, increasing the risk of veering into oncoming traffic.
Fatigue: Drowsy or fatigued drivers may nod off at the wheel or have reduced reaction times, making it more likely for them to cross the centerline into oncoming traffic.
Reckless Driving: Drivers attempting to pass slower vehicles on two-lane roads may misjudge the distance and collide head-on with oncoming traffic. In these cases, fighting for punitive damages may be appropriate.
Wrong-Way Driving: Drivers who mistakenly enter a highway or one-way road in the wrong direction can lead to catastrophic head-on collisions.
Poor Weather Conditions: Reduced visibility due to fog, heavy rain, snow, or ice can make it challenging for drivers to stay in their lanes, increasing the risk of head on accidents.
Roadway Defects: Potholes, poorly marked lanes, missing or obscured road signs, and other road defects can contribute to head-on collisions when drivers are unable to navigate safely.
Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control can cause a driver to cross the centerline and collide with oncoming traffic.
Medical Conditions: A driver experiencing a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or seizure, may lose control of their vehicle and veer into opposing lanes.
Inexperienced Drivers: Novice drivers or those unfamiliar with the road may struggle to navigate curves, turns, and intersections, potentially leading to head-on collisions.
Loss of Control: Speeding or aggressive driving can result in a loss of control, causing a driver to cross into oncoming traffic.
Animal Crossings: Car accidents due to animals are not uncommon in Tennessee. Sudden encounters with wildlife or animals on the road can lead to drivers swerving into the path of oncoming vehicles to avoid a collision.
Why Is a Head On Collision So Dangerous?
A head on collision is particularly dangerous because they typically involve two vehicles traveling at high speeds in opposite directions, resulting in a combined force that can cause severe injuries and fatalities. A few other factors to consider in this type of car accident include:
High Impact Speeds: In a head on collision, the combined speed of the two vehicles essentially doubles the impact force. This is because both vehicles are moving toward each other at their respective speeds. As a result, head on collisions often occur at very high impact speeds, leading to severe damage and injury.
Direct Force Concentration: The force of impact is concentrated on the front ends of the vehicles involved, where there is less crumple zone and structural protection. This leads to more substantial damage to the vehicle and a higher risk of severe injuries to the occupants.
Increased Risk of Fatalities: Due to the high forces involved and the limited protection in the front of vehicles, head-on collisions have a significantly increased risk of causing fatalities or catastrophic injuries to drivers and passengers.
Inadequate Time to React: Head on collisions typically happen suddenly and leave drivers with limited time to react or take evasive action. This lack of reaction time can contribute to the severity of the collision.
Frontal Occupant Movement: In a head on crash, vehicle occupants are propelled forward toward the point of impact, increasing the risk of injuries as they collide with the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, or airbags.
Risk of Secondary Collisions: Head on collisions can lead to secondary collisions as vehicles are deflected from the initial impact. These secondary impacts can cause additional injuries and vehicle damage.
Potential for Vehicle Fires: Due to the intense forces and impact, head-on collisions can result in ruptured fuel tanks or other vehicle components that may lead to fires or explosions, posing additional risks to occupants.
Limited Crumple Zone: Unlike a rear end accident, where there is more space for a vehicle to absorb the energy of the collision, head on collisions have limited crumple zones at the front of the vehicles. This makes it challenging to dissipate the energy of the crash effectively.
Increased Risk for Front Seat Occupants: Front seat occupants are at a higher risk of severe injuries in head-on collisions, as they are closer to the point of impact. Even with seatbelts and airbags, the forces involved can still lead to a serious or even permanent injury.
Common Car Accident Injuries That Result From a Head On Collision
Side-impact car crashes can result in a range of serious injuries due to the vulnerability of the vehicle occupants in the impacted side. These injuries can vary in severity depending on factors such as the speed of the collision, the angle of impact, and the use of safety restraints. Common serious injuries that can result from a side-impact car crash include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The sudden movement of the head in a head on collision can result in traumatic brain injuries, which can range from concussions to more severe injuries with cognitive, sensory, or motor impairments.
Spinal Injuries: These collisions are a major cause of spinal injuries, including herniated discs, vertebral fractures, and spinal cord injuries. Severe spinal injuries can result in paralysis or long-term disability.
Broken Bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, pelvis, or facial bones can occur when the front of the vehicle is impacted. The severity and location of the fractures can vary widely. These fractures can be painful and may require surgical intervention.
Psychological Trauma: Being involved in a serious car crash can lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A head on collision attorney will fight for this to be factored into your compensation.
Nashville Head On Collision Accident Attorney
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Meyers Injury Law are here to help you when a head on collision occurs. After you’re injured by someone driving recklessly, a car accident lawyer can help you collect evidence that proves fault and negotiate a fair settlement. After all, head on collisions often go hand in hand with very high medical bills and emotional trauma.
Another driver’s negligence shouldn’t ruin your life. We’ll fight to have your medical bills and lost wages covered, as well as non economic damages. Reach out to us today and we’ll discuss which next steps are in your best interests to get the most compensation possible.
