Head-on collisions are not as common as rear-end collisions and angle collision car crashes, but when they happen, they are often destructive and fatal. Unlike most other crashes, the impact of head-on collisions is doubled the energy, due to the combined speed of two cars traveling at each other. Imagine how bad a frontal collision at 50 mph must be. When a head-on collision occurs between two cars traveling at 50 mph, the impact doubles to 100 mph.
Head-on collisions only account for about 2% of all accidents in the US. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions happen most often in rural areas. Head-on crashes are known to cause 13% of all rural fatal accidents. However, less than 7% of deadly wrecks in the urban areas are head-on impacts of motor vehicles. This means head-on collisions tend to happen more frequently in rural areas. Furthermore, 75% of head on collisions happen on two-lane roads, undivided roads, which are of the type usually found in rural areas. There is often no cross over barrier or median dividing the highway.
Though rare, those who are fortunate enough to survive a head-on collision often end up with severe, and sometimes life-long debilitating injuries. Accident victims commonly suffer traumatic brain trauma that causes permanent cognitive and physical disabilities.
If you or a loved one was injured in a head-on collision, it's best to consult with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney to find out which legal options are available to you.
There are certain factors or weather conditions that can contribute to head-on collisions, such as slick road conditions, surface water, poor visibility, lack of roadside lighting, heavy winds, and curvy roadways. These are just factors and weather conditions that can increase the risk but are not causes.
Head-on collisions are usually caused by human error, including going too fast for weather conditions, and failure to control the vehicle in bad weather conditions. Here are some of the human errors leading the causes:
If you managed to walk away from a head-on collision with nothing more than minor injuries, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Most people involved in head-on collisions are not as fortunate and require emergency medical care. The injuries often include one or more of the following:
How injuries commonly occur in head-on collisions are as follows:
In addition to physical wounds, major accidents can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, motor-vehicle accident crashes are the leading cause of PTSD in the United States. Common symptoms of car accident related PTSD include:
In our experience, almost any motor vehicle accident can cause severe injuries or death. However, head-on collisions are more dangerous than other crashes. This is because speed and mass the two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions before they collide with each other. If two cars traveling at the same speed meet in a head-on collision, the force of the impact is doubled. Cars driving 45 mph will each experience a wreck equivalent to striking a stationary object at 90 mph. Even though head-on collisions only make up 2% of auto accidents, they account for 10% of traffic accident fatalities.
Head-on collisions have a high rate of serious injuries. As with any car accident, you should call 911 immediately. If you are able, you should get out of your vehicle and move safely away from the road. Leave your car where it is and wait for help to arrive. Police will make an accident report, which you may use to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. You should also gather your own evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Seek medical attention. You may also benefit from legal assistance. A car accident lawyer can help you recover damages and protect your rights if you suffer a head-on collision.
According to the Michigan Department of State Police, there were 3,109 head-on crashes and 5,565 head-on crashes that involved a left turn in 2020. All head-on crashes resulted in 165 deaths and 6,100 injuries reported in the State of Michigan. Due to the force of the crash because of the mass and velocity of two vehicles hitting each other, head-on crashes typically cause the most crippling personal injuries for those who survive, resulting in an enormous amount of treatment and rehabilitation, huge medical bills, long-term wage loss, and permanent pain and suffering. Whatever your injuries are in car accident, it’s in your best interest to speak to a car and truck accident lawyer at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm right after your crash.
Recovering from an injury caused by a head-on collision may take several months to possibly years. You may have to undergo surgery, take pain medication, and endure months of physical therapy. What's worse, you may have to take time off from work, possibly change your career, or refrain from certain activities. This will all be financially devastating due to hefty medical expenses, wage loss, future medical care, and disability.
An experienced car accident attorney at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm can help you get the financial compensation you need so you don't have to pay out of your own pocket. Our legal team has extensive experience handling head-on collision cases.
Contact us online or call 866-HIRE-JOE to schedule your free consultation.
