There were 3,471 fatal head-on motor vehicle accidents in 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). While this represented only 10% of the total number of fatal traffic collisions, when a head-on collision does occur, it is more likely to cause a fatal or serious injury.
If you were injured or you tragically lost a loved one in a head-on collision, a Detroit head-on collisions lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Call our office today at (844) 730-0233 to learn how we can help.
The Danger of Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction of another vehicle slams into the front of the vehicle. The force involved in a head-on accident is often greater because of the traveling speed of each vehicle. The resulting collision is like smashing into a brick wall at twice the speed you are traveling. Due to the physics involved in these accidents, the outcome is likely to be grave, including deaths or serious, debilitating injuries of drivers and passengers.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Detroit, call (844) 730-0233
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are caused by a variety of factors. Their severity depends on the underlying cause of the accident, where the collision occurs, and the speed of each vehicle.
Some common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Wrong-way driving – Drivers who are driving the wrong way down a one-way street or highway entrance or exit ramp may unknowingly be traveling in the wrong direction and hit drivers who are traveling the right way.
- Speeding – It is easier to lose control of a vehicle and collide with another one when you are driving at faster speeds.
- Distracted driving – When drivers are texting while driving or otherwise distracted, they may drift into the other lane and collide with another driver.
- Impaired driving – Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have impaired vision and judgment that can lead to a head-on collision.
- Rural driving – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that head-on collisions are more likely to occur on rural roads.
- Fatigued driving – Sleepy drivers are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel or having delayed reaction times to quickly respond to hazards that arise.
- Illegal passing – A driver may pass another vehicle on a double solid line and collide with oncoming traffic.
- Poor road or weather conditions – Ice, snow, or poor lighting or road conditions can also cause head-on collisions if a driver loses control of a vehicle and collides head-on with another vehicle.
A Detroit head-on collisions lawyer can investigate the cause of your accident and seek to hold the negligent party liable for the damages you suffered.
Detroit Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Common Injuries in Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often result in traffic fatalities and serious injuries because of the force involved in these accidents. Head-on collision victims often suffer more severe injuries than other types of car accident victims. These may cause significant pain and a long recovery period.
Injuries that may occur because of a head-on collision include:
- Spinal cord injuries, which may involve temporary or permanent paralysis
- Brain damage or traumatic brain injuries
- Scarring and burns
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Whiplash
- Fractures to the pelvic bone, leg, arm, ankle, foot, or other body parts
During a head-on collision, vehicle occupants may be violently thrown about the vehicle. If they are restrained by a seat belt, they may still collide into the dashboard, door, steering wheel, or seat in front of them. While seat belts do help save lives, head-on collision victims may suffer injuries from seat belts, such as punctured lungs, fractures, or hematoma. If passengers are not restrained, they may be ejected out of the vehicle and suffer catastrophic injuries or death.
Head-on collision victims often face a long recovery period, potentially including rehabilitation to relearn basic skills or to make modifications due to the injury. They may also face disability and the inability to return to work.
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Evidence to Help Establish Liability in a Head-On Collision
If you were hurt in a head-on collision, there are steps that you can take to strengthen your claim, such as gathering evidence of the other driver’s negligence. Ask the law enforcement officer who responded to the accident how to get a copy of the accident report. Also, keep track of the medical records that you receive after treatment, which can help establish the connection between the collision and your injuries.
Contact a personal injury lawyer for more help with proving liability. A lawyer may be able to gather additional evidence that shows how the accident was caused, such as by:
- Reviewing pictures or videos made at the scene of the accident
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Obtaining surveillance footage of the moments leading up to the accident
- Retaining accident reconstruction experts, when applicable
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Potential Damages in a Head-On Collision
Michigan’s tort system allows accident victims to recover compensation for the damages they sustain in an accident, such as:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one in a head-on collision, you may be able to obtain compensation for the reasonable medical, funeral, and burial expenses of your loved one, as well as the economic and noneconomic losses stemming from your loved one’s early and tragic death.
Contact a Head-On Collisions Lawyer Serving Detroit Today
If you were injured or tragically lost a loved one in a head-on accident, a Detroit head-on collisions lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate your claim and work hard to prove that the other driver was at fault. We will also handle communication with the insurance company and work to secure a settlement on your behalf. Because we work on a contingency fee, you are not charged any attorney fees unless we win. Call us today at (844) 730-0233 for your free case review.
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