When two vehicles collide head-on, the force of impact is magnified and the resulting injuries can be devastating. The occupants of the vehicles involved in a head-on crash are at risk of suffering life-altering or fatal injuries. They will need all the financial resources available to move forward with their lives.
Two vehicles should never be heading in opposite directions in the same lane. Most head-on collisions are the result of negligence on the part of one of the drivers. When a driver is distracted, drowsy, intoxicated, or otherwise driving irresponsibly, a head-on collision may occur.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our Kentucky Courage attorneys help those who have been injured and the families who have lost loved ones in head-on collisions caused by other drivers. Call our office or contact us online for a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team today. We are committed to helping you if we can. Call today, and let’s get started.
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head on-collision is also known as a front impact crash. A head-on accident happens when two cars are traveling toward each other, and their front ends collide. Frontal impact collisions often result from wrong-way incidents when one driver heads in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic. They also can happen on two-lane roads when an inattentive driver crosses the centerline.
Head-on collisions are often traumatic events that can cause catastrophic injuries. Head, neck, and spinal injuries are common in head-on accidents. Broken bones and internal injuries are relatively common occurrences.
Head-on collisions represent a small portion of overall collisions, but a disproportionate share of fatal crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, frontal impact collisions are the number one mode of collision resulting in deaths and injuries. they resulted in 64 percent of all crash deaths to drivers and front-seat passengers and 65 percent of all injuries, the NHTSA said.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions in Lexington
A driver’s negligent actions are the most common cause of head-on collisions in Lexington. When a driver is not giving their full attention to the operation of their vehicle, they may be slow to recognize a dangerous traffic situation is developing until it is too late to prevent a crash.
Common ways that negligence can play a role in causing head-on accidents include:
- Distracted driving. Some sources of distraction include cell phones, eating and drinking, loud music, and using navigation tools. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes or attention off the road may be considered a distraction.
- Intoxicated driving. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs affects judgment, slows reaction time, and impairs vision. It is easy for impaired drivers to miss traffic signals, misjudge the speed of approaching vehicles and drift into oncoming lanes of traffic. All these actions can cause a traumatic head-on collision.
- Drowsy driving. Falling asleep behind the wheel, even for a few seconds, can cause a driver to drift into the wrong lane and cause a head-on accident. Studies indicate that a lack of sleep impairs a driver’s judgment and motor function in ways that are similar to driving while intoxicated.
- Driving the wrong direction on a one-way street. Driving drunk or missing a street sign can cause a driver to head in the wrong direction on a one-way street.
- Failing to yield. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way risk causing a severe head-on collision.
- Weaving in and out of traffic. Unsafe lane changes and weaving in and out of traffic are dangerous behaviors. In some cases, weaving in traffic can cause an accident that sends one car on a collision course with oncoming traffic.
- Running a red light. Running a red light can cause a head-on collision. Many drivers are caught off-guard by motorists who speed through intersections and try to beat lights turning red.
- Improper passing. Passing in a no-passing zone or on double yellow lines can cause catastrophic consequences. Drivers should always obey passing laws and give themselves plenty of time and space to pass safely.
- Speeding. Speeding, especially around curves, is dangerous and negligent behavior. Taking a curve too fast can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and veer over the center lane into oncoming traffic.
How Is Fault Assigned by Insurance Companies?
Assigning fault for a car accident can be a challenging process. Insurance companies and adjusters have broad discretion when assigning blame after a crash. They may consider statements from each driver, police reports, witness statements, and other information surrounding the accident.
Insurance companies are not bound by the same rules as Kentucky courts. However, most adjusters will factor in how a court would rule in an accident case. Kentucky courts weigh the fault of each side in a personal injury civil lawsuit. Any compensation awarded is tied to a person’s percentage of fault for causing an accident
For example, if a court awards a total of $100,000 in damages and finds that the injured plaintiff is 20 percent to blame, then the injured person may recover $80,000 in compensation.
If an adjuster can assign partial blame to the injured party, the adjuster can reasonably reduce the amount of compensation the insurance company pays to settle a claim. Adjusters are always looking for ways to reduce the amount paid by the insurer. Talk to an experienced Lexington car accident attorney if an insurance company is disputing your claim or trying to pressure you to accept a low-ball offer. We can help you understand whether a settlement offer is reasonable.
Claims adjusters want to settle quickly and for as little as possible. They need to move on to the next claim. These individuals may not have the time, resources, or skill to investigate the circumstances of an accident thoroughly. They may miss vital information that could establish liability and mean more money in your pocket.
Our Lexington personal injury attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer are known for our Kentucky Courage when it comes to standing up for injured Kentuckians. We will fight for your rights when big insurers try to take advantage of the situation. We will negotiate on your behalf for full and fair compensation for you after a head-on collision in Lexington.
Recovering Compensation for Injuries and Losses from Head-On Car Accidents in Lexington
Kentucky requires motorists to have no-fault insurance unless they sign paperwork opting out of the no-fault system. In a no-fault system, people who are injured in car accidents typically file a claim initially with their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. Personal injury protection no-fault insurance will generally cover medical expenses, lost income, and, potentially, other out-of-pocket costs associated with the crash up to the limits of the policy.
However, in a head-on collision, no-fault insurance may not be enough to cover the catastrophic nature of a person’s injuries.
In addition to a no-fault claim, people injured in head-on collisions also may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver if their medical bills and other accident losses exceed the limits of the Personal Injury Protection policy. Our attorney can review your accident and help you determine the best steps forward.
Reach Out to a Lexington Head-On Car Accident Lawyer
A head-on crash could have a significant impact on your life for the rest of your life. These serious accidents are usually caused by a driver’s mistakes or disregard for safety. If another driver was at fault for the head-on collision that injured you, you should seek legal guidance.
Talking to a head on car accident attorney may be the last thing on your mind while struggling to recover from serious injuries. But speaking with an attorney is the best way to inform yourself of your legal options to seek the compensation you need to move forward with your life. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we know that results matter. We’ll do everything we can to help you recover what you pursue the money you need during this difficult time.
For a free consultation to discuss your Lexington head-on collision case, call our office today, or contact us online.
