Head-on collisions are among the most severe, dangerous vehicle accidents. This can be for many reasons, including speed at the time of impact.  They often result in serious injuries or fatalities as a car accident lawyer knows all too well. 

What are the most common causes of head-on accidents? What are some of the most common injuries? What should you do if you are involved in a head-on collision? Can you protect yourself from these accidents? Our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC share some tips for you below:

Common Causes Of Head-On Collisions

Understanding some of the more common causes of head-on collisions may help you avoid them. Some of the causes include:

  • Driving the wrong way on a street or highway
  • DUI or DWI
  • Drowsy driving or falling asleep behind the wheel
  • Crossing the center
  • Improper passing
  • Defective vehicle parts
  • Another accident
  • Reckless driving 

This is not a comprehensive list, but it gives you an idea of what might happen in an accident.

What Are Commonly Experienced Injuries?

Head-on collisions can result in injuries, many of which are severe and sometimes fatal. In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that these accidents make up around 10% of fatalities. Some of the most common injuries include: 

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Crushing injuries
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Chest injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Burns
  • Whiplash
  • Internal injuries or bleeding
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Disfigurement

Head-on Accident? Take These Steps

  1. Call 911 to dispatch emergency responders, including EMTs, the fire department, and either Highway Patrol or the local police agency. 
  2. If you are injured, do not move unless absolutely necessary. For example, if the engine caught fire and you can get out of your car, you could save your life by getting out. 
  3. If you’re not seriously injured, make sure you still get medical attention from your doctor or an urgent care provider. It’s crucial to ensure that you don’t have any injuries you don’t know about, such as damage to an organ. It is also important to have documentation of any injuries for your future legal case.
  4. If you can, take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and other pertinent factors that may have contributed to the crash. 
  5. Talk with a licensed attorney skilled in these claims. They can help you with the insurance company or, if necessary, go to court on your behalf.

Protecting Yourself From Head-on Accidents

Although you can’t fully protect yourself from other drivers, you can reduce the likelihood that you will cause a head-on accident by taking certain simple steps. 

  1. Follow the speed limit and all other rules of the road
  2. Make sure that you know about road construction that may be on your route
  3. Know which streets are one way only
  4. Keep all of your attention on the road
  5. Don’t be an aggressive driver 
  6. Keep your phone out of reach; your safety is most important!

If you have been involved in a car crash, reach out to an injury lawyer near you to get help on your case immediately.

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