Head-on Collisions: 4 Useful Tips To Get You Through a Bad Situation
The danger of head-on collisions is that you never know when they will take place, and the aftermath of such accidents can be devastating. Injuries sustained are often severe, resulting from two cars meeting each other front to front or a driver losing control. Being in a vehicle accident is a harrowing experience that costs far more than expected; for those involved in head-on crashes, it can even prove fatal. Head-on crashes are more likely than other car accidents to cause severe injury or death to drivers or passengers, regardless of the vehicle involved. Statistics prove this to be true. No matter how terrible, accidents that occur head-on cannot be prevented. Still, you can take whatever precautions you deem necessary. Though nothing can replace a disability or the loss of a family member, collecting damages from those responsible can help victims and their families get started on the lengthy recovery process. You cannot stop another driver from operating their vehicle recklessly; however, if your automobile is struck by another, contact the Law Office of Erica Gelfand for an experienced car accident attorney to fight for what you deserve in compensation.
Causes of Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are usually caused by at least one party's recklessness and happen when one car passes the centerline or median and collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Most fatal head-on accidents do not occur in passing scenarios, but rather when a driver makes a mistake of veering into oncoming traffic. Studies show that such crashes are much more likely to occur due to this error.
Ignoring traffic signs and signals
Head-on collisions at high speeds are more likely to happen, resulting in serious damage for both parties involved. This is due to the fact that distractions prevent the at-fault motorist from taking evasive action, like braking or swerving. Examples of less severe causes of head-on collisions include:
A driver's attempt to avoid an animal or other object in the road
In the case of a head-on collision, the results can be devastating and even fatal for the driver. The Law Office of Erica Gelfand's accident attorney will strive to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault. Generally, if someone strikes you in a head-on crash, they will be held accountable.
Typical Injuries From a Head-on Collision
Head-on crashes often lead to death or serious injury for those involved because of the high speeds at which both cars are usually traveling. Such injuries can be severe and include:
Head-on Collisions: Whiplash. When a person experiences a head-on collision, their head and neck are typically jerked rapidly which can cause tearing and straining of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in these areas. Furthermore, the twisting of their body can also lead to tears or stretching in those same areas. For those with serious whiplash injuries, rehabilitation therapy is essential. To learn more about this subject, go here. Eliminating the symptoms of whiplash, many people suffering from it choose to visit a chiropractor for regular check-ups and realignments until the discomfort has gone away completely.
Head-on Collisions: Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious types of injury. Fragments of vertebrae that come into contact with and harm the bundle of nerves that comprises the spinal cord are often responsible for such conditions. This damage disrupts the communication between body and brain, causing either complete or partial paralysis in the legs, torso, and all four limbs; however, its extent can vary greatly. The seriousness of a spinal cord injury, such as those resulting from head-on collisions, is largely based on the location of the damage to the spinal cord. Paralysis is a major factor that must be considered.
Head-on Collisions: Traumatic Brain Injury. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by an external pressure that impedes the brain's normal functioning, such as a blow to the head. Alternatively, an acquired brain injury may result from an internal condition, like a lack of oxygen. TBI is commonly seen in accidents with great force; when the head hits a windshield, steering wheel, asphalt or other surfaces it can lead to concussion due to the impact of the skull and brain. If left untreated, the consequences could be dire: irreversible brain damage or death due to unchecked bleeding, swelling, and bruises.
Head-on Collisions: Direct Force Trauma. The sheer force of a head-on collision can cause severe injuries even when the airbags and seat belt are used correctly. Injuries resulting from direct trauma to the chest and upper thoracic area are incredibly common; they may include damage to the lungs, shoulder joint injury, cracked ribs, or other internal harm due to the deployment of an airbag or tightness of the seat belt. Trauma directly inflicted on the abdominal area can be particularly damaging to vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, spleen and diaphragm.
Head-on Collisions: Broken Facial Bones. Airbags may be deployed correctly in a head-on collision, yet the force of the crash can inflict destruction on facial and underlying bone structure. Injuries to the chin, eye sockets, cheeks, and jawbone are not uncommon and often require plastic surgery. In some cases, scars may remain which need additional cosmetics for full coverage over time.
Head-on Collisions: Lower extremity injuries, such as a ruptured ACL, crushed legs, ankle and foot injuries, broken bones and other severe conditions are common when two cars crash. In head-on collisions the feet and legs are usually the first to experience the force of impact.
Catastrophic injuries are a difficult and costly burden to bear; victims must often take an extended break from work to recover. Luckily, those harmed have the option of seeking reimbursement for these and other associated costs if they can prove that the accident was due to another driver's negligence. Dealing with medical bills is far from the priority in the wake of an awful head-on collision, so it is vital for those affected to pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Head-on Collisions: Establishing Negligence
When a head-on crash transpires, it is clear that someone is at fault in comparison to other vehicular mishaps. Conversely, demonstrating the negligence of another driver can be difficult and requires the acquisition of trustworthy data, such as:
Measurements are taken at the scene of the collision of the skid marks and gouge marks
Photographs of the scene of the accident
Using in-vehicle technologies, data can be saved.
The crash was captured on video.
Testimonies from eyewitnesses
Medical documentation is required.
The results of a BAC testing procedure
According to the police investigation report
Photographs of the victim's injuries are available.
Photographs of the wrecked automobile
The criticality of collecting evidence in a head-on collision case cannot be overstated. If you have sustained injuries, seek out an attorney with the expertise and resources to conduct thorough investigations.
Under the concept of comparative negligence in tort law, when an accident takes place, the fault and negligence of each individual involved is calculated based on their contribution to the incident. This provision grants power to allocate liability and settle insurance claims in line with the law. Importantly, even if a person was partially at fault for an occurrence, they may still be entitled to remuneration for any injuries sustained – this is due to Arizona's legal stance on comparative negligence. Victims' compensation will be reduced based on their own degree of culpability.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
The Law Office of Erica Gelfand understands the distress that comes with a car accident, more so if it was serious. We strive to help our clients lessen their burdens by advocating for them in settlements or court proceedings. To find out more regarding your right to recompense, get in touch with us now and consult with a knowledgeable vehicle crash attorney without charge. Call us at (480) 424-4431!