Head-on collisions occur when the front of two vehicles strike each other, causing an accident.
These crashes often happen at high speeds, particularly when one driver uses an oncoming lane of traffic to pass another. Due to the traumatic nature of these accidents and the force of impact, head-on collision accidents cause some of the most severe types of injuries. In the most tragic of cases, they are fatal. It is important to contact a lawyer if you were involved in a head-on collision because liability is often disputed in these cases. The other driver or insurance company may try to claim that you left your lane and were the cause of your own injuries. If you have suffered serious injuries or you have lost a loved one, you may have legal options if someone else’s negligence caused the crash. Our Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer explains the matter in further detail below.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Again, head-on collision accidents typically occur when one motorist travels into the path of another traveling in the opposite direction. Most often, these collisions happen on roads with two lanes but without a center barrier. They can also happen on highway ramps, in intersections, and in construction zones. There are many causes of these crashes, but the most common are as follows:
- Driver negligence: There are many different acts of negligence that can cause a head-on collision, such as speeding, failing to follow traffic signs, fatigue, distraction, and misjudging distances.
- Impaired driving: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only careless; it is egregious and grossly reckless behavior. An impaired driver may not realize that they have drifted into the lane of oncoming traffic, or they may accidentally turn onto the wrong highway ramp.
- Distracted driving: Texting while driving is such dangerous behavior that it has been likened to drunk driving. This is because it takes a driver’s hands from the wheel and eyes and attention from the road. However, texting while driving is not the only type of distracted driving. Eating, drinking, rowdy passengers, adjusting the vehicle’s systems, such as the temperature, can all also distract a driver, resulting in a crash.
- Road rage: Drivers sometimes become frustrated with a driver in front of them, leading to them aggressively passing them. These drivers may misjudge the distance, causing a head-on collision.
- Defective auto parts: A steering issue, brake failure, or tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and veer into the lane of oncoming traffic.
If one of the above causes has resulted in your injury, it is important to speak to a Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer.
How is Fault Determined After Head-On Collisions
South Carolina’s tort system governs all car accidents in the state. This means that if another person caused your head-on collision, you can file an insurance claim against them to claim compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. You will need to prove the negligent act that caused your crash, the direct link between the negligent act that caused your crash, and the total amount of damages you are pursuing.
The law in the state also recognizes that more than one party can be at fault for a crash and that accident victims may contribute to their own injuries. This is known as SC Code § 15-38-10, or the comparative negligence law. Under this law, you can still file a claim for damages after a head-on collision if you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault for a crash. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced by the same percentage of fault you were assigned.
For example, a motorist driving recklessly may move into your lane of traffic that is moving in the opposite direction. They may be trying to pass a slower driver, thinking they have enough time, but you are speeding, and so they do not. They may be assigned 80 percent of fault for driving recklessly, while you are assigned 20 percent of the blame because you were speeding, contributing to the crash. In this example, if you were awarded $100,000 in total damages, you would receive $80,000.
Common Injuries Suffered in Head-On Collision Accidents
Head-on collisions often result in some of the most severe injuries due to their very nature. The size, angle, and speed of each vehicle will impact the seriousness of injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in these accidents are as follows:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Head-on collisions cause a violent impact that can result in a driver’s or passenger’s head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Also known as TBIs, these injuries can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries: When an accident severs nerve pathways or jolts the spine, victims can suffer from partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are life-changing and require long-term medical treatment, including rehab and extensive surgeries.
- Internal injuries: The impact of head-on collision accidents can cause organs to become crushed and perforated. Internal bleeding is also a common injury seen after these types of accidents. Internal injuries are not always apparent right away, but they can be fatal if they go untreated for even a short amount of time.
- Broken bones: The legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs often bear the brunt of the force in a head-on collision and result in broken bones. These injuries require casting, metal implants, and multiple surgeries to correct.
- Psychological injuries: Out of all the different types of car accidents, head-on collisions are some of the most severe. They are very traumatic and can cause a person to experience psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our Mt. Pleasant car accident attorney can help if you or someone you love has suffered any of the above injuries due to another person’s negligence.
Important Evidence in Head-On Collision Accident Claims
As with any other type of car accident, you need strong evidence to prove that you are entitled to damages after a head-on collision. The most important types of evidence are as follows:
- Police reports, particularly if it indicates that another driver was negligent or if a traffic citation was issued
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Testimony from experts such as medical specialists or accident reconstruction professionals
- Medical records outlining the nature and severity of your injuries
- Pictures and video footage of your injuries, the damage to the vehicles, and other relevant information, such as a road sign or skid marks on the road
- “Black box” data from the vehicles involved in the collision
Call Our Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer After a Head-On Collision
Head-on collision accidents are very stressful, and you will suffer serious injuries afterwards. At Rikard & Protopapas, our Mt. Pleasant car accident attorney can handle the legal details of your claim so you can claim full damages while focusing on making a full recovery. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.