Head-On Collision Lawyers

Head-on collisions are relatively uncommon, only making up about 2% of all reported crashes each year in the U.S.  However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a 58% fatality rate for drivers and passengers involved in head-on collisions, making them one of the most dangerous types of accidents, and results in thousands of emergency room visits each year.

If you or someone you know has been in a head-on collision that was caused by another driver, the car accident lawyers at Sobo & Sobo can help you receive compensation for your damages. Filing an injury claim can help you pay for damages including medical costs and lost wages directly caused by your accident. Schedule a free consultation by calling 855-468-7626, or contact Sobo & Sobo online.

Who is at Fault in an Head-On Accident? 

Determining who is found to be negligent in a head-on collision requires piecing together all kinds of clues, including surveillance footage, witness testimonials, and pictures of the scene. The forceful impact may have flung vehicles across the highway making it difficult to imagine the epicenter of the disaster. An experienced car accident lawyer can help by having their legal teams manage collecting evidence for their clients.

The NHTSA reports certain driver behaviors are common factors in fatal crashes, including:

• Speeding: the most common cause of head-on accidents 
• Driving Impairment: caused by drugs, alcohol, or medication
• Failure to Stay in the Proper Lane: by drifting into oncoming traffic
• Failure to Yield: to other drivers who have the right-of-way 

It should be noted that guilty parties don’t need to be determined 100% at fault for causing the accident in order for victims to collect insurance money, pay medical bills and cover other related damages. In some no-fault states like New York, motorists are required to carry no-fault liability insurance which covers medical expenses regardless of who is at fault, with certain exceptions like drunken driving. However, other states like Illinois requires the party found at least 50% guilty of causing an accident to cover all damages sustained by all involved parties.

Injuries Covered in Head-On Accident Lawsuits

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and deadly types of auto accidents. Because head-on impacts typically involve greater combined speeds and harder collisions compared to other types of auto accidents, the injuries sustained by both parties can be quite serious. The most common types of head-on injuries include:

• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A victim’s head can snap back and impact their seat or snap forward and impact the car dashboard or steering wheel. Either example can lead to concussions, skull fractures, and other TBIs.
• Broken bones: The kinetic energy involved with head-on collisions can lead to broken bones across the face, chest, and limbs.
• Bruises and lacerations: Head-on crashes may cause bruises or lacerations for one or more victims, both due to blunt force trauma and crash debris like shattered glass.
• Spinal injuries: The sudden shock of a high-speed impact can result in heavy injury to victims’ spines, leading to difficulty moving, long-lasting pain, or even a broken back.
• Paralysis: If spinal damage is severe enough, paralysis could follow a head-on collision for one or both parties.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The possible physical tolls inflicted by head-on crashes are often accompanied by PTSD, a mental injury that leaves long-lasting scars. PTSD can cause symptoms such as fear of driving, anxiety, and other effects. 

Filing a Head-On Accident Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has been in a head-on collision and are seeking compensation for any injury or wrongful death, call 855-468-7626 or contact us online for a free consultation with an expert car accident attorney today. 

The accident attorneys at Sobo & Sobo have over 50 years of experience helping clients across New York, New Jersey and Chicago, IL win the compensation they deserve for their losses and improving their quality of life.

When you file a claim with Sobo & Sobo, you don’t pay unless we win the case. When we do win, our attorneys are paid through a percentage of your settlement, meaning you never have to pay out of pocket.

Head-On Collisions in The US

Federal measures have been taking place to reduce the chances of drivers experiencing head-on collisions by installing highway medians—some made of concrete, others made of steel fencing or wire—that create physical boundaries between the sides of a highway where drivers travel in opposite directions. 

In urban areas, where traffic speeds are generally slower, these medians seem to work more effectively compared to those installed on rural highways. Here, traffic is allowed to move at higher speeds, and vehicles are required to take more long winding turns than their urban counterparts.