Head-on collisions can result in extensive injuries and property damage through no fault of the victim. If you were in a head-on car wreck because of a negligent driver, a legal claim might be the most effective avenue for you to help recoup your losses. A Sacramento head-on collision lawyer can be invaluable in a fight against an at-fault driver who caused your crash.
At the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., we understand what it’s like to be injured in a car accident. As a car accident victim, our attorney Ali Yousefi uses personal experience with trauma to help him better understand an injured client’s perspective. Our firm has also been recognized as one of the leading firms in California. You can trust us to handle your head-on collision accident claim.
Recent Head-On Collision Statistics
According to the most recent numbers issued by U.C. Berkeley, Sacramento experienced 3,621 car accidents that resulted in deaths or injuries in 2022. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that head-on collisions accounted for 3.9% of all crashes nationally and 29.4% of all deaths caused by a motor vehicle colliding with another car in 2021. The NSC noted that in 2021, head-on collisions were the second leading cause of death from an accident involving two or more motor vehicles.
What Are Common Head-On Collision Injuries?
When vehicles collide with one another, passengers and drivers can suffer an array of injuries. These injuries commonly include the following:
- Whiplash,
- Concussion,
- Broken bones,
- Lacerations,
- Burn injuries, and
- Dislocated joints.
Depending on how badly they are hurt, victims may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitative therapy to regain the function of their limbs or faculties.
What Is the Head-On Collision Survival Rate?
The head-on collision survival rate depends on the speed of the vehicles, the location of the crash, and other factors. For example, a high-speed head-on collision on a steep mountain road may be much more likely to result in death than a low-speed frontal crash on level ground. How fast the parties can get much-needed medical attention can also impact their likelihood of surviving the accident.
When Should I Contact a Head-On Collisions Lawyer?
The law does not require you to hire an attorney if you’re in an accident. However, doing so can help you build a strong foundation for your car accident case. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better they can help you prepare a robust claim against the responsible party. Plus, an attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies, value your claim for damages, and file a claim in court if necessary.
If you don’t take swift action, you may miss important filing deadlines. Generally, you only have two years to file a car accident lawsuit in California. If you miss this deadline, you may be unable to file a claim against the driver responsible for your injuries. Further, it can help your cause if you bring a lawsuit when the evidence and witness memories are fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can be traumatic experiences, creating lasting impressions on one’s life and memory. To help victims through this situation, we’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers addressing head-on collisions. For answers to your specific question, contact our office directly. We can investigate your claim, give you tailored advice to help further protect your legal rights, and help put you on the proper course to get the compensation you deserve.
What Happens in a Head-On Collision?
In a head-on collision, the vehicles are both traveling in the same path but in different directions (i.e., facing each other). This results in the front ends of both cars colliding. This often causes airbags to deploy and significant damage to the front of the automobiles. Depending on the crash’s circumstances, it can lead to severe injuries, such as death or permanent disability.
What Are Examples of Head-On Collisions?
Some examples of head-on collisions may include:
- Two vehicles colliding while traveling in opposite directions on a two-lane road.
- A driver crossing the centerline and crashing into an oncoming vehicle.
- A driver making an improper left turn across multiple lanes of traffic, misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles and causing a head-on collision.
- A driver falling asleep at the wheel and drifting into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
- A driver experiencing a medical emergency, losing control of their vehicle, and colliding head-on with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
What Are Common Reasons for Head-On Collisions?
The causes of head-on collisions are generally the same as the causes of other types of car crashes. Common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Fatigue: Drowsy or fatigued drivers are at risk of falling asleep while driving, resulting in them drifting out of their lane. This can lead to a head-on collision with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Drowsy driving is particularly prevalent among long-haul commercial drivers and individuals working night shifts.
- DUI: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to the driver’s loss of control and veering into the opposing lane. In addition, intoxicated drivers are more prone to speeding, violating traffic laws, and driving in the wrong direction.
- Distraction: A driver who is distracted may fail to recognize that they are entering a one-way road from the incorrect direction or drifting out of their designated lane. Driver distraction can also contribute to instances of running red lights and lead to head-on collisions at intersections.
- Broken Traffic Signals: In the event of a faulty or malfunctioning traffic signal displaying the incorrect color light, two drivers may unintentionally enter an intersection simultaneously, increasing the risk of a head-on collision. Additionally, various road hazards and unfavorable conditions such as potholes, damaged guardrails, and missing reflectors can contribute to head-on collisions.
- Collateral Damage: During a multi-vehicle collision, the initial impact can cause the involved vehicles to be propelled into adjacent lanes of oncoming traffic, resulting in what is known as a collateral accident. Likewise, in certain scenarios, a driver may maneuver in a way that compels another driver to swerve into oncoming traffic to prevent a collision, referred to as a no-contact accident.
What Is the Difference Between a Collision and a Head-On Collision?
A collision refers to any instance where two or more objects, such as vehicles, come into contact with each other. It is a general term that encompasses various types of accidents involving vehicles, such as rear-end collisions, side-impact collisions, and others.
On the other hand, a head-on collision is a specific type of collision where two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with their front ends facing each other. In a head-on collision, the impact occurs between the front sections of the vehicles, often resulting in severe damage and a higher risk of injuries or fatalities. This type of collision is considered particularly dangerous due to the combined speed and force of the two vehicles involved, as they are essentially driving towards each other. Head-on collisions commonly occur when one or both vehicles cross over into the opposing traffic lane, often due to factors like impaired driving, distracted driving, or hazardous road conditions.
Contact Our Sacramento Head-On Collision Lawyer
Being in a head-on collision can turn your life upside down and cost you thousands in medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs. You can, however, recover your losses by filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Figuring out how to file a claim or lawsuit may sound exhausting. That’s why you should speak with our skilled car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C. We will help you handle all aspects of your car accident claim.
Our team understands, personally, how overwhelming it can be to fight a claim while recovering from your injuries. We have the experience and training to take this on, as we have done for many other car accident victims throughout California. Our attorney, Ali Yousefi, has received numerous accolades, including a 9.4 AVVO rating, and was named one of the 10 best California attorneys by The American Institute. For legal help after a head-on collision, contact our team today.