A head-on collision happens when the front ends of two vehicles moving in opposite directions crash into each other. These motor vehicle accidents often occur on two-lane roads when one driver mistakenly drifts across the centerline into oncoming traffic or attempts to pass improperly. Head-on car accidents also happen when a driver drives the wrong way on an interstate highway or one-way street.
Although head-on collisions are relatively rare, they account for a disproportionate share of fatal car accidents. Recent statistics show that head-on collisions represented just over 3% of all two-vehicle crashes in Kentucky in 2022. However, they accounted for 34% of fatal two-vehicle collisions in the state. This high fatality rate underscores the severe risk these accidents pose compared to other types of car accidents.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a head-on collision crash in Kentucky, you might be struggling to overcome severe injuries and worrying about the future and how to cover your medical bills and income losses. A Kentucky car accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can guide you through the personal injury claim process. Our personal injury attorneys provide the Kentucky Courage it takes to demand full fair compensation for the harm you have suffered. Contact us today to learn more in a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatal injuries. Several common factors can contribute to these devastating crashes, including:
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road: Drivers who veer into oncoming traffic lanes put themselves and others in grave danger. This reckless behavior can stem from inattention, confusion, or impaired judgment. When a driver crosses the centerline, the driver poses an immediate head-on collision risk, leaving little to no time for the opposing driver to react.
- Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances exhibit reduced coordination, slowed reaction times, confusion, and poor decision-making. These impairments make it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle and stay in the proper lane, dramatically increasing the chances of a head-on collision.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating while driving, or engaging in other activities that divert attention increases the likelihood of drifting into oncoming traffic. Distracted drivers often fail to notice vehicles approaching them until it’s too late to prevent head-on crashes.
- Poor Visibility: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, can limit a driver’s ability to see the road and surrounding vehicles. Reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to react to traffic hazards, heightening the risk of a head-on collision. Although drivers cannot control the weather conditions that contribute to reduced visibility, they are responsible for adjusting their driving in response to adverse, including by slowing down or pulling over when appropriate.
- Aggressive Lane Changes: Reckless drivers who abruptly change lanes put themselves and everyone around them at risk. These erratic lane changes can cause drivers in oncoming traffic lanes to swerve to avoid collisions, potentially resulting in preventable head-on accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes, steering systems, or other critical vehicle components can cause drivers to lose control of their cars, cross centerlines, and collide head-on with oncoming vehicles. Auto manufacturers and car parts manufacturers can be liable if their defective products fail and cause head-on collisions.
Why Head-On Collisions Are So Severe
When two vehicles moving at similar speeds collide head-on, the impact speed is magnified. For example, if two cars traveling at 50 mph each collide head-on, the total speed of impact is equivalent to a single vehicle hitting a stationary object at 100 mph.
Head-on collisions often involve direct impacts to the vehicle’s front end, imparting enough force to compromise the integrity of an occupant compartment. Many head-on collisions result in dangerous intrusion into the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Vital areas like the engine, firewall, and dashboard can also sustain damage, further endangering the vehicle’s occupants.
The combination of extreme force and the vulnerable positioning of the occupants is what makes head-on collisions so catastrophic. Drivers and passengers have little chance of escaping serious injury, even when wearing seatbelts and surrounded by airbags. Common examples of head-on collision injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Facial trauma
- Eye injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Contusions
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Crush injuries
- Burn injuries
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD)
- Whiplash injuries
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic amputations
Who Is At Fault in Head-On Collisions?
The personal injury attorney who represents you will spend time investigating who is financially liable for the crash that injured you. Multiple parties may have liability, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Let’s explore some common examples of at-fault parties:
- The Other Driver: If a driver crosses the centerline or drives on the wrong side of the road, the chances are that the driver is the at-fault party. Their reckless actions, such as driving distracted, driving while impaired driving, or passing improperly, directly caused the head-on car accident.
- Another Road User: In some instances, another driver or road user who did not directly collide with the vehicles involved could be responsible. For example, if one driver made an illegal lane change that caused a second driver to swerve into oncoming traffic, the first driver could be liable for a resulting head-on crash, even though they did not actually collide with anyone themselves.
- A Vehicle Manufacturer: Manufacturers are responsible for designing and producing safe vehicles that do not put drivers and passengers at an unreasonable risk of harm. If a defective automotive design or a mechanical failure, such as a brake or steering system malfunction, contributed to the head-on crash, the vehicle manufacturer could be financially liable.
- The Other Driver’s Employer: The driver’s employer could be liable if a car crash involves a commercial driver, such as a delivery van operator or someone driving a company car on a business trip. Employers are responsible for actions their employees take on the company’s behalf.
Establishing liability in head-on collision cases requires in-depth investigations to determine the contributing factors. Car accident attorneys and their investigators gather evidence like eyewitness testimony, vehicle data, and accident reconstruction reports, then use it to piece together exactly what led to the crash. Multiple parties could share responsibility; strong evidence is key to holding the appropriate parties accountable.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Head-On Collision Accident?
If you get hurt in any serious collision, taking the right steps afterward can make all the difference in any legal claims you pursue. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a car accident claim:
- Contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Follow your doctor’s medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Keep a detailed record of your medical treatments.
- Obtain copies of all medical reports and bills related to the accident.
- Keep a journal documenting your physical and emotional recovery.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
- Do not apologize or admit fault. Let the investigation determine the facts.
- Refrain from discussing the accident details on social media.
- Avoid signing anything or accepting settlement offers without legal advice.
Compensation for Head-On Collision Injuries
With the guidance of a Kentucky car accident attorney, you can demand compensation for the personal and financial losses you have suffered in a collision caused by a negligent driver. This could include money for:
- Medical expenses for immediate and future treatment
- Out-of-pocket expenses you incurred due to the accident
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work due to injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if you can’t earn as much as before the accident
- Pain, suffering, and diminished quality or enjoyment of life
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
Experienced legal representation is essential when you’re pursuing compensation after a head-on collision. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, present your case in court. The attorney can also handle every detail of your claim so you are free to focus on healing.
Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision and are seeking compensation for your losses, contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today. Our car accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and Kentucky Courage to protect your rights and demand the fair compensation needed to move forward with your life. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free initial consultation session.
