Head-On Collisions
One of the most life-threatening types of car accidents is a head-on collision. The force of the front-end impact can result in serious and fatal injuries. Head-on crashes are often the result of negligent or reckless driving and those who are injured in such accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The experienced attorneys at our Virginia Beach car accident law firm are here to help you pursue the maximum financial recovery.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
This type of accident involves two vehicles crashing head-on into each other. However, head-on collisions typically involve situations in which one driver collides with an object, such as a tree or a light pole. Head-on collisions may occur due to lack of signage, confusing roadways, or adverse weather conditions; however, they are often the result of driver behavior. Some of the most common causes of head-on collisions include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers are more distracted now than ever. Phones, tablets, navigation systems, infotainment gadgets, and other forms of technology are all distracting drivers from the road, leading to serious accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately nine people are killed in distracted driving accidents each day.
- Drunk Driving: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in the U.S., there is one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 51 minutes. Drunk drivers are operating with impaired motor skills, making them more likely to cause a head-on collision. They may lose control of their vehicle, fail to see traffic signs, or fall asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding: Accelerated speed increases the risk of serious injuries and fatalities, especially in head-on collisions. Drivers traveling at accelerated speeds may be unable to stop or swerve in time to avoid an accident. The NHTSA reports that speeding accounted for 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017.
Common Injuries in Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions often result in fatalities. In 2018, there were 131,848 crashes in Virginia, 777 of which were fatal, according to Virginia Motor Vehicle statistics. Even when they are not fatal, head-on car accidents may cause serious injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries we have seen at our Virginia Beach car accident law firm include:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Concussions
- Internal organ injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
Compensation for Head-On Collision Injuries in Virginia
Those who are injured in head-on collisions may be entitled to compensation from the driver who negligently caused their accident. Damages available in a personal injury case include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other forms of legal compensation.
In Virginia, personal injury claims must be filed within two years, according to the statute of limitations. Recovering damages in Virginia may prove more difficult than in other states because it follows the contributory negligence rule. This legal standard requires claimants to prove that the other driver was 100 percent at-fault. If the plaintiff is determined to be at fault to any degree, they are barred from recovery. It is therefore advisable for those injured in a car accident to seek the counsel of a qualified attorney in their local area.
Let Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Law Firm Handle Your Head-On Collision Case
If you were injured or you lost a loved one in a head-on collision, contact our Virginia Beach car accident law firm today. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina and nationwide. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 757-352-2237.