Head-on collisions are among the deadliest accidents, accounting for over 10 percent of all fatal motor crashes in 2020. They are more likely to happen in rural areas, with about 13 percent of fatal crashes in rural areas being head-on. Almost seven percent of all fatal accidents in urban areas are head-on collisions.
Most head-on collisions occur when one driver goes into the wrong lane. Most of these crashes happen at night, when visibility is low, and people are generally not as focused at night as they are during the day.
Head-on collisions can happen for a myriad of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the country’s leading causes of car accidents and has worsened in recent years. Too many people look at their phones, not the road. This can lead to minor fender-benders and catastrophic and deadly head-on collisions. Quickly looking at your phone is enough to lose control and veer into oncoming traffic.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Perhaps the leading cause of head-on crashes is driving while intoxicated. Drugs and alcohol can cause severe impairments for the driver, including reduced reflexes, poorer judgment, and blurry vision. Alcohol also causes drowsiness, and even if it does not make you fall asleep entirely, it severely reduces your ability to stay focused.
- Elderly drivers: As we age, our bodies begin to lose certain abilities that can help us drive safely, such as reacting quickly or judging distances correctly. Older drivers are also more susceptible to confusion and not knowing what lane to go in, especially with complex intersections or turning lanes.
- Poor road conditions: Poor conditions such as inclement weather, poor lighting, potholes, and road debris are all factors that can cause a driver to veer off the road and into the wrong lane. Improper signage and poorly marked roadways or do-not-enter signs can cause a head-on collision. Furthermore, anything that can suddenly surprise a driver, like an accident up ahead causing people to slam on their brakes, can cause a driver to react without checking their surroundings.
Determining Fault in a Head-on Collision
Because they leave such catastrophic damage and injury, it is sometimes difficult to determine who caused the accident. Evidence will be necessary to determine fault, which can be done by either yourself or the police officer who responds to the scene. First, you should seek medical attention and ensure everyone involved is okay before calling the police.
A personal injury lawyer can also help; they could gather additional evidence, hire experts like accident reconstruction experts, and calculate how much you should receive in compensation.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Accident Survivors Injured in Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can cause devastating damage and injuries. For legal help, speak with our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.