Auto Accident Law Firm News: The Risks and Dangers of Head-On Collisions

There are different kinds of car accidents. They can range from minor scratches, fender benders, to severe and even fatal head-on collisions. While head-on vehicular accidents make up a small percentage of accidents, in general, they often have the highest number of fatality rates according to a top auto accident law firm.

Causes of Head-on Collisions

There are various potential causes for accidents as severe as a head-on crash. The following are examples:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol is a case in point of drunk-driving hazards that could cause a head-on smash between vehicles.
• Distracted Driving – Talking or texting on a cell phone instead of keeping both hands on the wheel is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
• Crossing Two-lane Roads – In general, there are clear road markers that signal motorists when it is safe to drive and pass other vehicles. However, some people are plain reckless, and others who just do not abide by the rules. Doing so can be risky and dangerous especially when something obstructs the view of the driver.
• Poor Signage – Sometimes overgrown trees, thick wiring, or whatnots can keep a sign from plain sight. Other times, a sign has grown old that it is no longer clear what it is trying to point out. All that make unclear signs another a leading cause of road accidents.
• Over Speeding – Driving at such a high speed also means greater collision impact in any case of an accident. It’s important that you follow your area’s speed limitation since a low impact collision can also mean a greater chance of surviving the car accident.

• Reckless Driving – As mentioned earlier, reckless driving can also lead to a vehicular accident. Some drivers do not care about others, or they want to go fast and furious. Such drivers have the tendency to change lanes rapidly, and not using their blinkers can worsen the situation.
• Dangerous Road Conditions – When there are cracks, debris, or potholes on the road, accidents could happen when drivers swerve and fail to avoid such hazards safely.
• Drowsiness – Research has shown that driving while drowsy and under fatigue can be as dangerous, if not more perilous, as drunk driving.

The Dangers of Head-On Collisions

The most common scenario that comes to mind when someone says head-on collision is a picture of two vehicles that hit each other head-on. However, in reality, that type of crash makes up just a fraction of all head-on vehicular accidents. Other head-on crashes involve a car and an immobile object like a tree or lamp post.

The force of the impact becomes fatal when one or two vehicles are traveling at extremely high speeds that an immediate stop leads to severe damage. The crash is so dangerous that it becomes surprising when a victim gets out of it with little to no scratch at all. Often, victims will suffer severe injuries to the brain or spinal cord, which are life-threatening. Drivers who do not wear their seatbelt are at an even higher risk of an ejection, leading to fatal injuries.

Takeaway

There are various causes and grave consequences of head-on collisions. It is common for medical expenses to be sky-high since such injuries often necessitate complex treatments. It is always best to be alert to one’s surroundings and actions to prevent any possible accidents. If the unfavorable will happen, it is advisable to get legal counsel from a reputable auto accident law firm and medical advice to get just compensation.

About the Contributor:

Chris O’Brien , http://obrienandford.com

Chris O’Brien has been handling personal injury cases in Western New York for more than 30 years. He enjoys a national reputation as not only a trial lawyer but also an educator of other trial lawyers. At the same time that he has recovered 20 million or multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of his clients, Chris has also taught trial skills in 21 states, districts, and territories as well as 2 provinces in Canada. He currently serves as the Co-Chair of the National College of Advocacy, has been a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for 20 years, and has been named as one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First.