One of the most dangerous auto crashes you or someone you love can experience is a head-on crash. A head-on collision is one where the front ends of two motor vehicles collide. Even if airbags deploy, the force of the impact is similar to smashing into a massive immovable object, like a brick wall. Because of the greater force of impact, victims often suffer devastating injuries that cause long-term pain or disabilities.
If a careless driver caused your accident, our San Diego car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane is ready to collect the evidence you need to hold him accountable and to fight for the compensation you deserve under California law.
Six Leading Causes of Head-On Accidents in California
As with other types of car crashes, the underlying cause of a head-on collision is almost always a driver’s negligence, such as:
- Driving the wrong way. Unsuspecting drivers have nowhere to go to avoid a vehicle bearing down on them on a one-way street, highway, or entrance and exit ramps.
- Distracted driving. When someone is talking on a cellphone, texting, looking at a GPS, or engaged in other distracting behaviors, he can easily cross the center line without even realizing it until a collision occurs. 2018 statistics indicate distraction was a primary contributor to one in five wrecks where someone was injured.
- Intoxication. Reaction time, vision, and judgment are all reduced when a person is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Reckless driving behaviors include tailgating, traveling at excessive speeds, and swerving in and out of lanes.
- Drowsy driving. Being sleep-deprived and behind the wheel can cause the same dangerous impairments as intoxicated driving.
- Speeding. Nearly one-third of car accident fatalities involve speeding, especially on highways, and younger drivers are more at risk.
- Weather. Many motorists forget to slow down and take caution when our sunny San Diego weather pattern changes to fog, rain, or ice. Compromised visibility, slick surfaces, and the need for longer stopping times require a driver's full attention.
Common Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions
Motorists and passengers involved in head-on crashes frequently experience injuries that require extensive medical treatments and lengthy recovery periods. Some conditions might appear minor at first, but then develop into something more severe, so it's imperative to get prompt medical attention after these accidents, even if you don't believe you're hurt. Head-on collision injuries include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Burns that cause permanent scars and disfigurement
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries, such as complete or partial paralysis
- Amputations
- Death
How to Protect Your Right to Recovery for Your Injuries
If you were injured in a head-on collision, you deserve compensation to pay for your medical care, wages lost during your recovery, and other damages related to the incident. The best way to protect your legal rights is by partnering with a skilled and dedicated car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
