A head-on collision is considered the most dangerous type of car accident in Atlanta and nationwide as well. It is a terrifying experience to see another car or truck speeding towards you. The survival chances for such accidents are low. Survivors, if there are any, end up with severe physical injuries, permanent disabilities, broken bones, and emotional distress.
It may take months or even years to recover physically and emotionally after such a distressing accident. You’ll have to go through extensive medical care, face substantial medical expenses, and stay out of work for a prolonged period while recovering from the injuries.
If you or your loved ones have been involved in a head-on car accident because of someone else’s incompetence and negligence you shouldn’t endure the consequences on your own.
With the help of a professional car accident attorney in Atlanta, you can claim fair compensation for your injuries.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision is most commonly referred to as frontal collision as it occurs when two cars driving in opposite directions end up crashing front to front in one another. Head-on collisions are incredibly frightening car accidents and can occur with cars, trucks, or motorcycles as well.
Although all types of car accidents are dangerous and can lead to several injuries, head-on crashes result in death or extreme harm to the driver and the other passengers in the car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has stated that head-on collisions cause a 57% fatality rate.
Causes of Head-On Collision Accidents
Most head-on collisions are caused by the careless or reckless actions of a driver. Mechanical reasons such as brake failure or a power steering outage can also lead to a head-on collision.
Usually, a head-on car crash occurs when one vehicle is on the wrong side of the road. It can be because of several reasons like when driving on roads with narrow paths, poor lighting, and no guardrails or traffic dividers.
Some of the common causes of head-on collisions include:
Driver Fatigue
Long-haul truck drivers, employees working night shifts, or sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to cause a head-on collision. Exhaustion leads to diminished reflexes, and the driver can fall asleep at the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Drivers performing other activities while driving like talking or texting on mobile phones, using GPS devices or any other onboard technology, eating, drinking, or talking to other passengers are distracted from the road. Using a cellphone while driving is illegal. People who do so are more susceptible to head-on collisions.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence or DUI is an illegal act. Yet, the majority of head-on collisions are caused by intoxicated or drunk drivers. With impaired reflexes, the drivers can’t determine the proper distance and direction of the vehicle.
Faulty Traffic Signals
Most people aren’t aware when traffic lights are out of order. Faulty traffic signals might direct the drivers to turn in front of one another, leading to a head-on collision.
Poor Road Conditions
Depressions and debris on the road, insufficient lighting, damaged guardrails, and fade divider lines can also cause the driver to deviate towards the oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions occur on poorly maintained and narrow roads.
Collateral Accidents
During a multi-vehicle accident, cars can jump off each other, sending one or more vehicles into the lanes of oncoming traffic resulting in a head-on collision.
Head-On Collision Injuries
Head-on collisions cause several fatal or sometimes minor injuries. Most common Head-on car accident injuries include brain or spinal injuries, broken bones, and even paralysis. Some victims might get away with minor injuries like whiplash, back injuries, bruises, and cuts.
Apart from these physical injuries, car collisions can also cause post-traumatic stress. Because of this, the victim has to withstand emotional tension and anxiety. Some of the dangers of head-on collisions include:
Brain Injuries
A high impact force created due to the collision of two vehicles increases the overall chances of severe brain injuries.
Disabilities
Head-on collisions can also lead to injuries that never fully heal and affect your ability to work. Later on, these injuries develop into permanent disabilities.
Death
Usually, extreme collisions result in death. Almost more than 32,000 people are killed in Head-on car accidents each year.
Get Legal Help Today!
If you or your loved ones are involved in any such collisions, you should seek medical attention right away. We, at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers, can help you file a compensation claim for your injuries. Our team of professional and qualified attorneys will guide you about legal options and claim compensation procedures.
