Head-on collisions don’t happen that often, but when they do, they are often devastating and fatal. Unlike most other crashes, the impact of head-on collisions is doubled, due to the combined speed of two cars traveling at each other. Imagine how bad a frontal collision at 50 mph must be. When a head-on collision occurs between two cars traveling at 50 mph, the impact doubles to 100 mph.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, head-on collisions accounted for more than 10 percent of all fatal crashes in 2017. Those who are fortunate enough to survive a head-on collision often end up with severe, and sometimes life-long, injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a head-on collision, it’s best to consult with an experienced Sioux Falls car accident attorney to find out which legal options are available to you.
Why Do Head-on Collisions Happen?
There are certain conditions that can contribute to head-on collisions, such as slick road conditions, poor visibility, lack of roadside lighting, heavy winds, and curvy roadways. These are just conditions that can increase the risk, but are not causes.
Head-on collisions are caused by human error, including poor handling of unfavorable conditions. Here are some of the leading causes:
- Distracted driving — use of cellphones, infotainment systems, and multitasking behind the wheel.
- Drowsy driving — loss of vehicle control due to falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Speeding — poor handling of curves due to exceeding the speed limit, or driving too fast for conditions.
- Drunk driving — poor judgment, delayed response time, and poor coordination caused by alcohol impairment.
- Ignoring signs and signals — head-on collisions can be caused by drivers who run red lights or fail to acknowledge signs warning of hazardous road conditions.
How Serious Are Head-on Collisions?
If you managed to walk away from a head-on collision with nothing more than minor injuries, consider yourself lucky. Most people involved in head-on collisions require emergency medical care. The injuries often include one or more:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Death
The causes of injuries are:
- Being crushed or pinned inside the car
- Being ejected out of the vehicle
- Head or face contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield
- Contact with broken glass or broken pieces of metal
Why Should I Hire A Lawyer If I Was Involved In A Head-on Collision?
Recovering from an injury caused by a head-on collision may take several months and possibly years. You may have to undergo surgery, take pain medication, and endure months of physical therapy. What’s worse, you may have to take time off from work, possibly change your career, or refrain from certain activities. This will all be financially devastating due to hefty medical expenses, wage loss, future medical care, and disability.
Contact Our Experienced Sioux Falls Attorneys Today
An experienced Sioux Falls attorney at Northern Plains Justice, LLP can help you get the compensation you need so you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket. Our legal team has extensive experience handling head-on collision cases.
Contact us online or call 605-644-5003 to schedule your free consultation.